nebraska historic buildings survey reconnaissance survey final

Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey

Reconnaissance Survey Final Report

Boone County, Nebraska

prepared for

Nebraska State Historical Society

State Historic Preservation Office

Save America's Heritage

John Kay -Principal Investigator

with

Historic Overview by Mary Findlay

June 1, 1988

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Save America's Heritage would like to thank the following individuals

for their assistance and contributions to the completion of the Boone

County Historic Buildings Survey. Their willingness to contribute their

time and knowledge was sincerely appreciated. .

David Murphy, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer

Deb McWilliams, Staff Assistant, NeSHPO

Joni Gilkerson, Architectural Historian, NeSHPO

Bob Puschendorf, Grants Administrator, NeSHPO

Carol Ahlgren, Architectural Historian, NeSHPO

Theresa Fatemi, Secretarial Assistant, NeSHPO.

This publication has been funded with the assistance of a federal

grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service as

administered through the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office

(NeSHPO).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

~ O D U C T I O N. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Northeast Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey Area . . . . . . . . 2

Preservation Biases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Numerical Summary of Boone County Properties . . . . . . . . . . 5

~ R I C O V E R V I P l W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

The Original Inhabitants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Settlement of Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CountyHistory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Ethnic Groups in Boone County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Agriculture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

GENERALSUMMllRYOFSUBVEPRESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

General Sununary Part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Preliminary Inventory and Topical Listing of Boone County

Historic Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

General Summary Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 A Topical Discussion and Listing of Boone County Historic

Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 General Summary Part 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

A Supratype Summary of Boone County House Types . . . . . . 66

Boone County House Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 RJKXMBWATIONS POR FUTURE WORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

National Register Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . Potential Thematic Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1. Northeastern Livestock and Cash Grain Farming 2 . Plum Creek Multiple Property Nomination . . .

iii.

In addition to this, there are several other objectives which enhance

both the importance of information generated by the survey and the

importance of the survey itself. First among these is the concept of

establishing the setting of Nebraska's multi-contextual. historic architec-

ture. Each historic building survey performed by the MeSHgO generates

information which contributes to a statewide knowledge and 'builds a

background which future survey information can be evaluated with.

Secondly, it was the objective of the historic building survey to identify

specific properties or geographic areas which, in the event of an inten-

sive survey, would contribute useful information to the multi-context

setting. Further objectives of the northeast Nebraska survey included the

identification of specific building types, the identification of construc-

tion methods which related to or were unique to Nebraska's historic built

environment, the identification of sites worthy of National Register

listing, and the expansion of knowledge regarding ethnic .settlement,

building technologies, and architectural images.

Preservation Biases

It is Save America's Heritage belief that people, and the places in

which they live, are the raw materials of history. A community, its inhabitants and its development over an extended period of time are proper

subjects for our contemplation, for it is through such studies that we

gain a more sympathetic comprehension of the present.

The public mention of a "historic building survey" often fails to

produce a collective image or understanding. A strong social awareness towards preserving our built environment does exist in the rehabilitation

of aged urban districts, but the notion of recording historical structures

as a preservation activity remains a publicly obscure concept. Fortu-

nately, this obscurity is due to a lack of awareness rather than a lack of

genuine concern. Communicating the importance of this activity as a

documentation of our Great Plains history cannot be stressed enough.

Furthermore, it is also the opinion of Save America's Heritage that

such surveys are a necessary tool in the recording of Great Plains

settlement. The demise of Nebraska's rural architecture is directly

linked to the decline of the rural-based population. In the year 1900,

76.3% of Nebraska1 s population was found in rural towns or on the farrns.l

However, by 1980 the rural-based population has dropped nearly 40 per-

centage points to the current figure of 37.1% (see Table 1).

Table 1. Total Population.

Nebraska Selected. - Years Percent of Total

Year Population Urban Rural

l~ource: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Census of Population, 1980.-

The affect on the historic built environment has been devastating. The

number of houses now exceeds the demand and the older perhaps less

appealing buildings are not re-inhabited. The buildings then deteriorate

and are ei;ther- dismantled or collapse. Consequently, there exists an

increasing decline in the "pool" of historic building resources. C o e

pounding the demise of these rural resources is the current decline of the

agricultural economy. The prospect of farming as a profitable future for

the next generations is now less desirable. This, in turn, contributes to

the decreasing rural population and re-inhabitation of existing historic

buildings. This is exemplified by the fact that 52.8% (121 of 229) of all

farmsteads documented by the survey in Boone County consisted of either

abandoned farms or farmhouses.

The enumeration of social changes affecting historic resources is

endless. It is clear, however, that the result of these changes coupled

with the diminishing affects of time substantiate the need for historic

b u i l d i n g surveys. It is through such surveys t h a t w e n o t on ly record t h e

b u i l t s e t t l emen t of Nebraska, bu t reach a f u l l e r understanding of our

p re sen t world.

Numerical Summary of Boone County Properties

The succes s of t h e Boone County H i s t o r i c Bui ld ings Survey h a s been

one of q u a n t i t y i f n o t always q u a l i t y . The survey was conducted i n an

extremely thorough manner w i t h every street of each town and n e a r l y every

county road covered us ing reconnaissance survey methods. The numerical

r e s u l t s of t h e survey are s t agge r ing . These are:

A t o t a l of 700 i n d i v i d u a l p r o p e r t i e s were documented wi th in t h e

county boundaries. T h i s f i g u r e r e p r e s e n t s , i r o n i c a l l y enough,

t h e exac t pre-survey e s t i m a t e of 700 s i t e s .

Located on t h e s e 700 p r o p e r t i e s were a c o n t r i b u t i n g t o t a l of

1,691 bu i ld ings , 8 5 s t r u c t u r e s , 118 o b j e c t s , and 10 si tes.

The geographic a r e a covered by t h e survey inc luded 441 square

miles (282,080 acres) inc lud ing each of t h e seven e x t a n t towns.

The i d e n t i f i c a t i o n of 60 p r o p e r t i e s p o t e n t i a l l y e l i g i b l e f o r

i n c l u s i o n i n t h e Na t iona l R e g i s t e r of H i s t o r i c P l aces .

Total Contributing Contributing Contributing Contributing Boone County properties buildings structures objects s i t e s

B000: Rural

B002: Albion

B003: Boone

B004: Cedar Rapids

B006: Loretto

B007: Petersburg

8008: Primrose

8009: Raeville

B0010: St. Edward

*BOO9 Raeville previously surveyed by NeSHPO.

HISTORIC OVERVIEW

Physical Descrivtion

Boone County is located in the northeastern part of the state and

bounded by Antelope County on the north, Madison and Platte Counties on

the east, Nance County on the south, and Wheeler and Greeley Counties on

the west.

.Upland covers about 85% of the county. Most of this is in the

greater loess hills region of northeast Nebraska. The uplands of the

northeast corner of the county form a part of the eastern edge of the Sand

Hills. The remaining 15% of the land area is composed. of alluvial lands

including terraces and bottom lands along the larger streams which drain

the county. Originally the county was covered with prairie grasses with

small stands of timber along the river and streams.

The Cedar River, Beaver Creek, longest in the county, as well as

Shell, Plum, and Timber Creeks provide drainage. In the Sand Hills area

surface drainage has not been established and excess moisture seeps

provided that a homesteader could acquire an additional quarter section by

planting 40 acres to trees and caring for them for 10 (later eight) years.

In order to encourage settlement in the sparsely populated areas in

the northwestern two-thirds of the state, Moses P. Kinkaid introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to amend the Homestead Act. The

Kinkaid Act, as it came to be known, increased the size of the homestead

to compensate the settler in quantity of land for what it lacked in

quality and productiveness. The law went into effect in June of 1904.

The Kinkaid Act applied to lands west of the 98th meridian. Under

provisions of the Act, the homestead unit was not to exceed 640 acres and

irrigable land should not be included. Homesteaders who already occupied

lands under previous acts were allowed to acquire contiguous lands up to

640 acres maximum. Final proof to acquire the patent for the additional

lands could not be made until five years after passage of the Act or five

years after acquiring the additional land, whichever came first. It was also necessary for the homesteader to place permanent improvements on the

claim which were valued at $1.25 per acre (Reynolds, p. 23).

By 1912 nearly all the lands in the area in which the Kinkaid Act

applied were taken, thus closing the story on this piece of experimental

land legislation. The success of the Kinkaid Act led to the enactment of

the Stock-Raising Homestead Act of 1916 which contained substantially the

same pr~visions and applied to other states in the- West.

Cotmtv w o q The first white settlers came to Boone County as early as 1871.

Being anxious to get the machinery of law and order functioning, the

county was organized in that year. There was much difference of opinion

as to whether Boone or Albion should become the county seat. The state

legislature finally stepped in to finalize the decision that Albion would

be named the county seat.

Boone County contained much land desired by the railroads. The Union

Pacific Railroad possessed about 12,000 acres as part of its 20-mile-wide

tract through the state. However, it was the Burlington and Missouri

Railroad which was to have the most profound effect on the county's

development. Not long after the county was established in 1871, nearly

one-half the lands of the county were withdrawn from the market so the

Burlington and Missouri Railroad might select lands due them as part of a

bonus from the federal government. Residents' feelings were much aroused,

feeling that this action drove away prospective settlers and separated

existing settlements. According to Mattison, the rapid settlement of the

county was checked by the grants to the railroads from the federal

government (p. 3).

Hard feelings continued between settlers and state, county, and local

governments on the one hand and the railroads on the other. In 1875 the

U.S. Supreme Court rendered a decision stating that state and county

governments had the right to tax railroad grants (Mattison, p. 26).

Settlers felt that land owned by speculators or the railroads should be

taxed more than land occupied by settlers on claims who were forced to

endure hardships while trying to make a go of it on the land (Barns,

pp. 126-127). The railroad's position was that they should not be taxed

at all until the railroad lands were sold to settlers who would then pay

taxes on that land (Ernst, p. 17). The railroad refused to pay taxes

levied and litigation was begun.

Settlement of the problem was effected when negotiations began in

1877 between Adam Smith and the Burlington. Mr. Smith agreed to purchase

the Burlington's land in exchange for a release from the accrued taxes.

Additionally, he had to agree to construct a graded wagon road from Albion

to the Union Pacific lines at Silver Creek. Mr. Smith's improvements were carried out in what is now known as Cedar Rapids and the road constructed.

The road was used only for a short time due to the bridge over the Loup

River being washed out in 1879. With the coming of the railroad in the

following year, the road fell into disuse (Andreas, p. 388).

After the problems with the railroad were satisfactorily concluded,

everyone was ready to get on with the business of settlement of the

county. Railroads were viewed as imperative to the development of an

area. Both businessmen and farmers were anxious to have the railroad come

through their area. This allowed the importation of consumer goods from

the wider market of the entire region and the exportation of livestock and

development. Not long after the county was established in 1871, nearly

one-half the lands of the county were withdrawn from the market so the

Burlington and Missouri Railroad might select lands due them as part of a

bonus from the federal government. Residents' feelings were much aroused, feeling that this action drove away prospective settlers and separated

existing settlements. According to Mattison, the rapid settlement of the

county was checked by the grants to the railroads from the federal

government (p. 3). Hard feelings continued between settlers and state, county, and local

governments on the one hand and the railroads on the other. In 1875 the

U.S. Supreme Court rendered a decision stating that state and county

governments had the right to tax railroad grants (Mattison, p. 26).

Settlers felt that land owned by speculators or the railroads should be

taxed more than land occupied by settlers on claims who were forced to

endure hardships while trying to make a go of it on the land (Barns,

pp. 126-127). The railroad's position was that they should not be taxed

at all until the railroad lands were sold to settlers who would then pay

taxes on that land (Ernst, p. 17). The railroad refused to pay taxes

levied and litigation was begun.

Settlement of the problem was effected when negotiations began in

1877 between Adam Smith and the Burlington. Mr. Smith agreed to purchase

the Burlington's land in exchange for a release from the accrued taxes.

Additionally, he had to agree to construct a graded wagon road from Albion

to the Union Pacific lines at Silver Creek. Mr. Smith's improvements were

carried out in what is now known as Cedar Rapids and the road constructed.

The road was used only for a short time due to the bridge over the Loup

River being washed out in 1879. With the coming of the railroad in the

following year, the road fell into disuse (Andreas, p. 388).

After the problems with the railroad were satisfactorily concluded,

everyone was ready to get on with the business of settlement of the

county. Railroads were viewed as imperative to the development of an

area. Both businessmen and farmers were anxious to have the railroad come

through their area. This allowed the importation of consumer goods from

the wider market of the entire region and the exportation of livestock and

grain to a larger market. Boone County was unusual in that the railroad

founded or served nearly every town in the county. Akron, Closter, and

Raeville were the only towns without rail service and Raeville had voted

to not have a station located there.

Cedar Rapids and Primrose were served by the Union Pacific which

followed the Cedar .Creek bed. With the exception of Bradish, the remain-

ing towns served by rail were located on the Chicago and Northwestern line

which f &lowed the Beaver Creek bed (see Figure 1).

Fig. 1. Location of the railroad i n Boone County in 1907 after the Official Railway Map of Nebraska, 1907.

Albion was the winner in the contest with Boone over the location of

the county seat. Some of the first settlements in the county occurred

near the town site in 1871 and Albion has continued to serve as a center

of trade. The town was officially platted in 1873, The first building in

the town was the Frontier Hotel and the second was a general store. The

community continued to grow slowly with a new business or two added each

year. The arrival of the Omaha, Niobrara and Blackhills Railroad (pur-

chased later the Chicago and Northwestern) in 1880 changed the slow growth

patterns.

With t h e coming of t h e r a i l r o a d came g r e a t e r numbers of settlers. A s

t h e terminus of t h e r a i l r o a d , Albion served as t h e marketing cen te r f o r

t h e northern and western por t ions of t h e county. Addit ional r a i l s e r v i c e

w a s added i n 1887 when t h e Northwestern Railroad reached Albion from

Oakdale.

I n t h e e a r l y 1880s Albion boasted some 40 businesses. One of t h e

l a r g e s t was t h e Sacket t & Crouch Flour Mill es tab l i shed i n 1875. The m i l l

w a s s i t u a t e d 'a mile and one-half from town on Beaver Creek. The l a r g e s t

m i l l bu i ld ing is t h r e e s t o r i e s high p lus t h e basement and had a capacity

of 300 bushels per day. Two gra in e l e v a t o r s served t h e community. Corn

w a s t h e major g ra in shipped from Albion and it was estimated t h a t t h e

g r a i n b u s i n e s s amounted t o over $100,000 annually i n t h e e a r l y 1880s

(Andreas, p. 393).

The town w a s described i n an 1889 promotional brochure e n t i t l e d "Some

Nebraska Gems , a Group of Thriving Towns i n t h e Northwest" a s having "an

air of t h r i f t , of p rosper i ty , of comfort, about everywhere1' (p. 1). The

Boone County Courthouse w a s constructed i n 1896. The presence of t h e

county s e a t and t h e r a i l r o a d has helped keep Albion t h e f o c a l point of t h e

county.

St . Edward was p l a t t e d and organized i n 1871 as Beaver City. I n 1876

t h e p l a t was rerecorded and t h e town was named St . Edward. The f i r s t

building on t h e town s i t e was t h e Ri t te l and Laudeman General S to re b u i l t

i n 1876. It c a r r i e d s tock valued between $4,000 and $5,000 and d i d

considerable business. The second f l o o r of t h e bui ld ing was a h a l l and

ava i l ab le f o r s o c i a l a c t i v i t i e s which took p l a c e . i n t h e community. The

h o t e l which was cons t ructed i n 1880 had accommodations f o r 30 gues ts , a

barber shop, a d e n t i s t ' s o f f i c e , and a doctor ' s o f f i c e (At las of Boone and

Nance Counties, p. 99). The Union P a c i f i c Railroad l a i d t r a c k through

St . Edward and on J u l y 4, . 1881 t h e f i r s t t r a i n w a s operated through t h e

town. S t . Edward remains a s t a b l e community wi th approximately 50

businesses.

Cedar Rapids, a small community southwest of Albion, was p l a t t e d i n

Loret to , o r i g i n a l l y c a l l e d Loran, w a s p l a t t e d i n 1887. It w a s i n

t h i s same year t h e Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad was con-

s t r u c t e d through t h e town. A cheese fac to ry w a s t h e f i r s t business t o

l o c a t e i n t h e new town followed by s e v e r a l general s t o r e s , a butcher shop,

implement business, shoe f i x e r y , and a hote l . Cattle d r i v e s ended a t

Lore t to with t h e c a t t l e being shipped by rail t o markets i n Omaha o r

Chicago. The community was a cen te r of t r a d e f o r t h e surrounding a r e a and

reached a peak i n t h e 1920s. Business is conducted on a smaller s c a l e

today but seve ra l remain i n Lore t to .

R a e v i l l e w a s e s t a b l i s h e d when t h e Rae b r o t h e r s s e t t l e d i n t h e

v i c i n i t y . A pos t - o f f i c e w a s e s t ab l i shed and t h e f i r s t German Cathol ic

se t t l e r s a r r i v e d i n 1875. The pa r i sh was begun i n 1881. The S t .

Bonaventure Church Complex which se rves t h e area included t h e church,

school, r ec to ry , par ish h a l l , and cemetery and is l i s t e d on t h e National

Regis ter of H i s t o r i c Places. It se rves as t h e s p i r i t u a l , s o c i a l , and

c u l t u r a l base t o t h e German Cathol ics who l i v e nearby. I n t h e br ick

Romanesque Revival Church each s t a ined g l a s s window i s i d e n t i f i e d i n

German, reveal ing t h e community' s commitment t o t h e i r n a t i v e land.

I n 1886 t h e Northwestern Railroad was t o have t h r e e s t o p s between

Albion and Oakdale. The f i r s t was t o be i n Lore t to , t h e second i n

Raev i l l e and t h e t h i r d , two miles nor th of Elgin. The people of Raevi l le ,

l e d by t h e reverend, feared t h e demoralizing inf luence of t h e r a i l r o a d and

voted aga ins t loca t ion of a s t a t i o n i n t h e community. The r a i l r o a d

complied with t h e town's wishes and b u i l t a s t a t i o n c a l l e d Petersburg

t h r e e and one-half miles south of Raevi l le , and t h e t h i r d s t a t i o n was -......a ,.=, C 1,, ,A,

th.. town of Elgin (Boone County History, p. 92).

A hardware s t o r e w a s opened i n Petersburg even before t h e townsite

was p la t t ed . The o r i g i n a l town w a s p l a t t e d i n 1887 and l o t s were offered

f o r sale. One of t h e f i r s t s t o r e s i n t h e community w a s moved t o

Petersburg from Raevi l le , no doubt persuaded t o come by t h e presence of

t h e r a i l r o a d i n t h e community. By 1902 t h e r e were many businesses serving

t h e community. There are fewer businesses t h e r e today bu t t h e town

remains.

Cedar Rapids was originally known as Dayton when it was established

in 1872. Its name was subseque,ntly changed to Cedar Falls and finally to

Cedar Rapids when it was incorporated in 1884. The railroad came through

the town in 1883 and later a spur track was laid across town to the large.

mill located there. The community even supported an opera house which was

dedicated in 1896. It was later used as a movie theater until it closed

in 1962. The Depression of the 1930s brought about a slow exodus from the

community, and the population today is only about -half the pre-

Depression number. There are, however, several thriving businesses and

the town remains.

Boone began as an early post office near the present townsite. The

town was established in the Beaver Valley as residents were certain the

railroad would be coming through the valley. The first train arrived in

Boone in 1880. At one time the town had several businesses, a bank, and

three churches. The years 1900-1915 were fhe most prosperous for the

town. The population has since declined and there were about 15 people

living there in the 1970s.

Around 1900 the Union Land Company of Omaha, a subsidiary of the

Union Pacific Railroad, was seeking a townsite midway between Cedar Rapids

and Spalding. David Primrose, owner of the land which interested the

company, entered into an agreement with them for development of the town.

The town was platted in 1902 and the erection of houses and businesses

soon followed. Early businesses included a grocery store, the only one

. within 10 to 15 miles, lumber yard, hardware, implement dealer, butcher

shop, livery, and a large two-story hotel. A disastrous tornado' struck the toh in 1965. The business section of the community was hit par-

ticularly hard. Many homes and businesses in the community were destroyed

or badly damaged. A number of new buildings have been built to replace those destroyed by the tornado.

Akron was a small community centered around a store which probably

got its start about 1880. At one time it provided staples to the farmers

who lived nearby and served as a post office from 1881-1903. In 1917 a

Presbyterian Church was constructed at the settlement and was still in use

in the 1970s.

Bradish is an abandoned town which was built on the Chicago and

Northwestern rail line just four miles east of Albion. At one time the

village had a depot, grain elevator, two stores, a bank, and a gas

station. A number of fires and its proximity to Albion brought an end to this little village.

The abandoned village of Closter was named after a Norwegian named

Kloster who purchased the land on which the hamlet stood. In the 1890s

Closter had a blacksmith.shop and creamery. In 1914 a Ford car dealership

was established there. The last store was demolished in 1934.

Ethnic Groups in bone County

The ethnic diversity of the people who settled and made their homes

and livelihoods there are an important part of the history of Boone

County. People from many states and over 20 foreign countries cane to

make their homes there, adding richness to the social fabric of the

county.

Information on numbers of foreign born are taken from Wayne Wheeler's

compilation of census data. Since no detailed census analysis was

performed, the locations of various ethnic settlements within the county

must be inferred primarily from local histories and other secondary

sources. Evidence of the various ethnic groups' presence is indicated by

the institutions which they founded. Churches, cemeteries, and fraternal

organizations are examples of such institutions. In some cases, secondary

sources mention specific ethnic groups as having settled in a particular

area. In any event, a precinct-by-precinct census analysis should be

performed to obtain a more precise picture of ethnic settlement.

The 1880 census was the first available for Boone County. In that

year the foreign born comprised 19% of the total county population. As

the influx of foreign-born settlers slowed and children of the foreign

born were born in the U.S., the percentages of foreign-born persons in

Boone County decreased. By 1910, the foreign born comprised only 13% of

the county' s total population.

Wheeler combines the numbers of Swedish- and Norwegian-born persons

in his 1880 census data. These combined numbers make them the largest

foreign-born group in the county. In the 1890, 1900, and 1910 census

years Norwegians were the second largest and Swedes the third largest

foreign-born groups in the county. German-born persons comprised the

largest single group of foreign born in these census years.

In general, Norwegians and Swedes settled in the eastern and north-

eastern portions of Boone County (Atlas of Boone and Nance Counties,

p. 96). Some Norwegians settled near the village of Closter. Founders of

Immanuel Zion Lutheran Church in South Branch Precinct and Our Savior's

Lutheran Church in North Branch Precinct were from Norway (Atlas of Boone

and Nance Counties, p. 100). Lutherans who settled in and around

St. Edward were predominantly Swedish and Danish (J. Nelson, n.p.).

German-born persons were the largest foreign-born group in the state

and the same can be said for Boone County. Germans were slightly later in

arrival than the Irish or Swedish and Norwegians. In 1880 there were only

61 German-born persons in the county but 372 just 10 years later. This

made the German-born the largest single foreign-born group in the county.

This trend continued in succeeding years with the largest number of

German-born being 569 in 1910.

In general, the German-born persons settled in the northern and

northwestern portions of the county (Atlas of Boone and Nance Counties,

p. 96). Many German Catholics settled in and around Raeville. German

Lutherans settled in and around the town of Cedar Rapids. St. John's

Lutheran Church served this congregation with services being conducted in

German until 1910.

The Irish were the second largest foreign-born group in 1880. In the

1890, 1900, and 1910 census years they comprised the fourth largest

foreign-born group and accounted for 1 to 2% of the county's total

population. In general, they settled in the southern part of the county

(Atlas of Boone and Nance Counties, p. 96). The town of Primrose is named

after David Primrose, an Irishman, one of several Irish who settled in the

area.

A small handful of Czechs settled in Boone County. Those that did

lived in and around Albion and near Closter. A few Czechs came to the county but did not stay as they missed the Czech social life which could

be found in other communities with larger concentrations of Czechs

(Rosicky, p. 243) .

Agriculture

Nebraska is a large state with a variety of soil types and differing

climatic conditions which make it necessary for the farmer to adapt

farming practices to local conditions. It should also be noted there are

few distinct areas where abrupt changes in farming'practices are evi-

denced.

Several authors associated with the University of Nebraska College of

Agriculture (Hedges and Elliott; Garey; Williams and Murfield) have

described systems of farming in Nebraska to refer to areas with a high

degree of uniformity in the type of farming practiced and the economic and

environmental conditions of the defined area.

Hedges and Elliott group the majority of Boone County in the North-

east Intensive Meat Producing Area. Garey separates this area into a

separate category due to the less intensive scale of production. Williams

and Murfield describe Boone County as an area of transition from cornbelt-

type farming to extensive cropping and ranching. For purposes of this

discussion, Boone County will be included in the Northeast Nebraska

Intensive Livestock Production (NNILP) area. In this area, crops are

grown more for their value as livestock feed than as a cash crop.

The loess soils of the county are able to retain a large amount of

water and plant nutrients as well which make them suitable for growing a

number of crop types. The cropping system consists of corn and alfalfa,

plus some wheat and oats. These are grown due to their adaptability to

environmental conditions and their appropriateness as livestock feed.

As settlers came in to northeast Nebraska, they brought with them the

same agricultural practices they had known in the Midwest cornbelt. Corn

was the usual first crop put in by settlers (Fite, p. 246). During the

first few years settlers planted corn, spring wheat, and vegetables.

Their diets were supplemented by milk, game, and pork (Hayes, p. 1174).

By the end of the 19th century,. real advances in scientific farming

began to have an impact on production. Crop rotation, seed selection,

higher quality livestock through selective breeding, and research into

plant and animal diseases were advances in agricultural practice.

Two advances were very important to intensive livestock production.

A serum to prevent hog cholera resulted in an increase in production. The

other highly significant advance was in the use of alfalfa in rotation

with corn to maintain soil fertility. This allowed livestock production

to be practiced on a more intensive level (Sweedlum, p. 207).

As the settlers became more established, more land was broken for

intensive production of corn, wheat, and oats. At first, very few cattle

were raised but their importance increased over time. Hog production also

became much more important to the county's economy.

Corn has been the most important crop grown in the county. In 1921

it occupied 35% of the area of the county. It is raised over nearly all

parts of the county. Most of the corn and other grains is fed to the

livestock on the county's farms, although some is shipped to outside

markets (Hayes, p. 1175).

By the end of the 1930s, the intensive livestock system of farming

was in full flower with northeast Nebraska having more livestock per

section than any other area of the state (Hedges and Elliott, pp. 36-38).

Cattle and hog feeding are the main livestock enterprises. The value

of livestock has increased through time. By 1969, Williams and Murfield

reported over 90% of farms reporting some kind of livestock with receipts

from livestock and livestock products accounting for over 80% of average

farm income (p. 33).

Data from the Census of Agriculture for the years 1910 (p. 30), 1935

(p. 326), and 1982 (p. 120) reveal the number of farms has dropped

substantially. In 1910 there were 1,821 farms in the county, by 1935

there were 2,037, but only 857 in 1982. The average size farm reflects

these trends as well. In 1910 the average for the county was 228 acres;

as the number of farms increased, average acreage fell to 214 in 1935, and

as expected with the reduction in the number of farms seen in the 1982

census, the average acreage rose to 505 acres. The average farm size in

each of these years is smaller than the state average for that time period

which reflects the intensive nature of agriculture in the area.

The drastic decline in the number of Boone County farms between 1935

and 1982 has important implicatiqns for historic building survey. As

farms are combined to increase acreage, farmsteads were likely abandoned. .Buildings designed to meet the changing economics and farming practices of

today are different than the traditional buildings of 50 years ago. It

is, ther.efore, important to record the farm buildings of our past so that

we can document the evolution of agriculture in our state.

Andreas, A. T. History of the State of Nebraska. Chicago: Western

Historical Co., 1882.

Atlas of Boone and Nance Counties. Lake Elmo, MI?: Tri-Tabula, Inc., 1976.

Barns, C. G. The Sod House. Madison, NE, 1930.

Boone County History, 1871-1985. Compiled by the Boone County Historical

Society. Dallas, TX: Curtis Media Corp., 1986.

Ernst, C. J. "Early Railroad Development in Nebraska Nebraska History

and Pioneer, Vol. 7, Pt. 1, nod.

Fite, Gilbert C. The Farmers Frontier, 1865-1900. New York: Holt,

Rinehart and Winston, 1966.

Fitzpatrick, Lilian L. Nebraska Place-Names. Lincoln: University of

Nebraska Press, 1960.

Garey, L. F. Systems of Farming and Possible Alternatives in Nebraska.

Lincoln: University of Nebraska College of Agriculture Experiment

Station, Bulletin No. 309, June, 1937.

Gilkerson, Joni . "St. Bonaventure Catholic Church Complex ." National

Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form. Lincoln:

Nebraska State Historical Society, 1982.

Greater Albion Area Centennial, 1872-1972. Albion, NE: Greater Albion

Area Centennial Committee, 1972.

Hammond, Charles L. and others. Soil Survey of Boone County, Nebraska.

Washington, DC : U.S . ~e~artmentof Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, 1972.

Hayes, F. A. and others. Soil Survey of Boone County, Nebraska.

Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Soils,

1925.

The "Heartt1 of the Beaver Valley: St Edward, Nebraska Centennial,

1871-1971. St. Edward, NE: St. Edward Centennial History Committee,

1971.

Hedges, Harold and F. F. Elliott. Types of Farming in Nebraska. Lincoln:

University of Nebraska College of Agriculture Experiment Station,

Bulletin, No. 244, May, 1930.

Lawson, ~erlin P. Climatic Atlas of Nebraska. Lincoln: University of


Lonsdale, Richard E. Economic Atlas of Nebraska. Lincoln: University of


Mattison, Ray Harold. "Burlington Railroad Land Grant and the Tax Contro-

versy in Boone County ." M.A. Thesis, University of Nebraska, 1936.

Myers, M. Gwendolyn. A Short Account to the Congregational Church of Albion.

Nelson, Helge . "The Swedish Colonization in Nebraska, " The Swedes and

the Swedish Settlements in North America. Lund, Sweden: 1943.

Nelson, Judy. "Salem Lutheran Church Centennial, 1878-1978". St. Edward,

NE: Salem Lutheran Church, 1978. Olson, James C. History of Nebraska. Lincoln: University of Nebraska

Press, 1966.

Olson, Paul A. "Scandinavians: The Search for Zion," Broken Hoops and

Plains People, A Catalogue of Ethnic Resources in the Humanities: Nebraska and Surrounding Areas. Lincoln: Nebraska Curriculum

Development Center, 1976.

Reynolds, Arthur. "The Kinkaid Act and Its Effect on Western Nebraska,"

Agricultural History, Vol. 23, 1949, pp. 20-29.

Rosicky, Rose. A History of Czechs (Bohemians) in Nebraska. Omaha: Czech

Historical Society of Nebraska, 1929.

"St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, 90 Years of

Grace 1887-1977." Pamphlet, Nebraska State Historical Society

Library.

"Some Nebraska Gems, A Group of Thriving Towns in the North West." Omaha,

NE: The Herald, 1889. Spafford, R. R. Farm Types in Nebraska, as Determined by Climatic, Soil,

and Economic Factors. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Bulletin of

the Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Bulletin No. 15, 1919.

Svoboda, Joseph G. "Czechs: The Love of Liberty," Broken Hoops and Plains

People, A Catalogue of Ethnic Resources in the Humanities: Nebraska and Surrounding Areas. Lincoln: Nebraska Curriculum Development

Center, 1976.

Sweedlum, Verne S. "A History of the Evolution of Agriculture in

Nebraska, 1870-1930." Me A. Thesis, University of Nebraska, 1940.

Tubbs, Verna Lee. "Settlement and Development of the Northeast

Sandhills". M.A. Thesis, University of Nebraska, 1957.

U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. 1982 Census of

~grieulturk- Nebraska, State and County Data. Vol. 1, Part 27,

Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office, 1982.

U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. Thirteenth Census of

the United States Taken in the Year 1910 - Agriculture. Vol. VIII, Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office, 1913.

U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. United States Census

of Agriculture - Reports for States With Statistics for Counties and

a Summary for the United States. Washington, DC: United States

Government Printing Office, 1936.

Van Hoven, Jay. "The History of the Fremont Elkhorn and Missouri Valley

Railroad, 1868-1903." Master's Thesis, University of Nebraska-

Lincoln, 1940.

Welsch, Roger L. "Germans from Russia: A Place to Call Home," Broken Hoops and Plains People, A Catalogue of Ethnic Resources in the Humanities: Nebraska and Surrounding Areas. Lincoln: Nebraska

Curriculum Development Center, 1976.

Wheeler, Wayne. An Almanac of Nebraska Nationality, Ethnic and Racial

Groups. Omaha, NE: Park Bromwell Press, 1975.

Williams, James H. and Murfield, Doug. Agricultural Atlas of Nebraska.

Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1977.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS

The objectives associated with the Boone County Historic Buildings

Survey were to provide a preliminary characterization of the historic

resources within the county and to produce information which will serve as

a reference in the preservation management of these resources. A post-

survey evaluation of these goals reveals that the Historic Buildings

Survey of Boone County was indeed a highly successful project. This

success can be expressed in two quantifiable translations. These are,

quite simply, numerically and geographically. Each street of the seven

Boone County communities and nearly every rural road was surveyed using

reconnaissance survey methods. The numbers produced by the survey are

indicative of this. A total of 1,904 contributing buildings, structures,

objects, and sites were documented on 700 individual properties. The

survey canvassed 282,080 acres (441 square miles) and identified 60

properties potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of

Historic Places.

For the purpose of organization, a more specific .summary of the

historic properties in Boone County has been broken into three main parts.

These are:

1. A Preliminary Inventory of Boone County historic properties, 2. A topical discussion and listing of all Boone County historic

properties, and

3. A supratypological summary of predominant historic house types.

General Suuuuary Part 1:

Preliminary Inventory and Topical Listing of Boone County Historic

Properties

Two primary reasons exist for the evaluation of the resources

documented by the Boone County survey. The first is the identification of

properties worthy of nomination to the National Register of Historic

Places (NRHP), and the second is the designation of those properties to be

preserved by local planning processes. In response to these objectives,

Save ~merica's Heritage has developed two reference lists. The first is a

P r e l i m i n a r y I n v e n t o r y o f . t h e 60 p r o p e r t i e s w i th in Boone County t h a t

exh ib i t ed t h e g r e a t e s t p o t e n t i a l f o r l i s t i n g i n t h e Nat iona l Reg i s t e r of

H i s t o r i c Places. These p r o p e r t i e s a r e presented i n P a r t 1 of t h e General

Summary using photographic images and inc lude h i s t o r i c names ( i f known),

Nebraska H i s t o r i c Bui ld ings Survey s i te numbers, l o c a t i o n a l r e f e rences ,

and r e l a t i o n s h i p s t o p o t e n t i a l H i s t o r i c Contexts. The second r e fe rence

list i s a Topica l L i s t i n g t h a t , i n a d d i t i o n t o t h e s i te numbers of t h e 60

most e l i g i b l e p r o p e r t i e s , i n c l u d e s t h e s i t e numbers of 79 o t h e r h i s t o r i c

r e sou rces judged as c o n t r i b u t i n g t o t h e h i s t o r i c c h a r a c t e r of t h e county

but are of secondary p r i o r i t y wi th r e spec t t o l i s t i n g . The T o p i c a l

L i s t i n g , t h e r e f o r e , i s p r i m a r i l y d e v e l o p e d f o r u se i n p re se rva t ion

planning dec i s ions and as a guide t o t hose s i t e s i n Boone County which may

y i e l d a d d i t i o n a l in format ion upon f u r t h e r research. T h i s l i s t i n g appears

i n conjunct ion wi th a t o p i c a l d i scuss ion of h i s t o r i c p r o p e r t i e s i n P a r t 2 of t h e General Summary. Both lists are presented t o p i c a l l y i n an order

c o n s i s t e n t wi th t h e NeSHPO document "Hi s to r i c and P r e h i s t o r i c Contexts i n

Nebraska: A Topica l L i s t i n g ."

RELIGION

B002-92: St. John's Episcopal Church, 1888

Potential Historic Context(s): Religion, Ethnic Groups

Location: N.W.C. 5th St. and Marengo St., Albion, Boone County

Included in Preliminary Inventory for its association with the early .foundation of religious practice in late 19th century Boone County.

B002-172: St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1908


Location: N.E.C. 6th St. and Church St., Albion, Boone County

Selected as a symbol of the post-settlement religious development of Albion and for aesthetic architectural design.

B004-24: St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1918


Location: N.E.C. 6th St. and Main Ave., Cedar Rapids, Boone County

Significant on a local basis for providing the' spiritual and cultural base of early 20th century life and for architectural design aesthetics.

B007-16: St. John's Catholic School, 1911

Potential Historic Context(s) : Religion, Education

Location: N.S. Norman St. between 3rd and 4th St., Petersburg, Boone County

Symbolic of the extension of religious beliefs into the educational system of the predominantly German-Catholic community of Petersburg.

B007-17: St. John's Catholic Rectory, 1919

Potential Historic Context(s): Religion, Settlement Systems

Location: S.E.C. 4th St. and Norman St., Petersburg, Boone County

Potential significance derived through association with Mission-style design motifs and as contributor to German Catholic .religious enclave.

B002-101: First United Methodist Church, 1907


Location: S.W.C. 6th St. and Marengo St., Albion, Boone County

Identified as a physical representation of the early 20th century commitment to religion in central Boone County.

B010-17: St. Edward Methodist Episcopal Church, 1919

Potential Historic Context(s): Religion

Location: N.E.C. 5th St. and Beaver St., St. Edward, Boone County

Selected as an example of the "modern" .masonry church building phase spawned by the peak populations of early 20th century communities.

B000-9: Akron Presbyterian Church, 1918

Potential Historic Context(s): Religion

Location: NE 1/4, NE 1 / 4 , Sec. 4, T.20 N., R.8 W., Boone County

Significant Tor its role as the focal point of spiritual and social activities for non-extant rural community of Akron.

B010-40: First Presbyterian Church, 1915

Potential Historic Context(s): Rel ig ion

Location: N.W.C. 6 t h S t . and Clark S t . , S t . Edward, Boone County

S i g n i f i c a n c e based on r e t e n t i o n of Neoc l a s s i ca l des ign a e s t h e t i c and f o r i t s r o l e as a r e l i g i o u s c e n t e r i n e a r l y 20 th cen tu ry Boone County.

LEGAL SYSTEM

B007-13: . Petersburg Jail, 1902

Potential Historic Context(s) : Legal system - Law En£ orcement

Location: W.S. 2nd S t . between Main and Norman S t . , Pe te rsburg , Boone County

S i g n i f i c a n t example of a n e a r l y 20th cen tu ry l a w enforcement b u i l d i n g which r e t a i n s a moderate degree of h i s t o r i c i n t e g r i t y .

EDUCATION

B000-22: Beaver Valley Schoolhouse, District 13, 1925

Potential Historic Context(s): Education - Schooling

Location: NE 114, NE 114, Sec. 12, T.20 N., R.7 W., Boone County

One of five~~eoclassical style schools in the Inventory constructed in the mid-1920s during a county-wide effort to upgrade rural school facilities.

B000-99: District 56 Schoolhouse, 1929


Location: NW 114, SW 114, Sec. 8,T.21 N., R.6 W., Boone County

Second of five potentially eligible rural schools built during 1920s which employs the Neoclassical design aesthetic.

B000-164: Sunnyside Schoolhouse, District 35, 1924


One of a series of neoclassical style school buildings constructed in 1920s during a county-wide effort to update rural school facilities.

B000-179: District 42 Schoolhouse, 1882

Potential Historic .Context(s): Education - Schooling

Location: NW 1/4, SE 114, Sec. 19, T.19 N., R.6 W., Boone County

A well-preserved example of the one-room schoolhouse property type constructed during the initial permanent settlement of Boone County.

B000-205: Vorhees Valley Schoolhouse, District 12, 1923


Location: NW 1/4, SW 114, Sec. 3, T.19 N., R.5 W., Boone County

One of five Neoclassical-style rural schools in the Inventory built 'as a result of a broad effort to replace late 19th century facilities.

B000-243: District 14 Schoolhouse, ca. 1920


One of the Neoclassical-style schools in the Inventory constructed in the 1920s during a county-wide effort to upgrade rural school facilities.

B002-6: Albion Carnegie Library, 1909

Potential Historic Context(s): Education - Enrichment

Location: N.E.C. 3rd St. and,Prairie St., Albion, Boone County

Significance derived through association with Carnegie Library system and for use of Neoclassical stylistic motifs.

B004-1: Cedar Rapids Public School, 1927

Potential Historic Cantext(s) : Education - Schooling

Location: N.W.C. 4th St. and Dayton Ave., Cedar Rapids, Boone County

Exemplifies the development of the schoolhouse property type from mass vernacular one-room structures to the masonry types of the 1920s and 1930s.

AGRICULTURE

B000-21: Thomas Norskov Farmstead, ca. 1893

- General Farming Potential Historic Context(s): Agric~ltur~

Location: NE 114, NE 114, Sec. 8,T.20 N., R.7 W., Boone County

Significant collection of typical late 19th century agriculture and domestic buildings on farm of Danish-born immigrant.

B000-62: John Mannlein Farmstead, ca. 1912

Potential Historic Context(s): Agriculture - Livestock and Cash Grain

h t i o n : NW 114, SE 114, Sec. 25, T.22 N., R.6 W., Boone County

Farmstead of German-born immigrant typifying the Livestock and Cash Grain farming system prevalent in the county during the early 20th century.

B000-64: He inr ich K e t t l e r Farmstead, c a . 1890 and 1915


Location: SW 114, NW 114, Sec. 29, T.22 N., R.6 W., Boone County

Significant blend of late 19th century domestic buildings and early 20th century Livestock and Cash Grain buildings on farm of German immigrant.

B000-110: ~ h a r l e s Swanson Farmstead, c a . 1910


Location: S 112, NW 114, Sec. 13, T.21 N., R.5 W., Boone County

Significant representative of Nor-theastern Livestock and Cash Grain farming owned by Swedish-born immigrant Charles Swanson.

B000-160: Pierson D. Smith Farmstead, 1876 and 1927

Potential Historic Context(s): Agriculture - Horse Raising

Location: SE 114, Sec. 33, T.18 N., R.5 W., Boone County

Farmstead of prominent St. Edward banker, Pierson Smith. Primarily included for horse barn (ca. 1885) and former quarterhorse racing grounds encircling barn..

B000-176: Alfred Paup Farmstead, ca. 1915


Location: SW 114, SE 114, Sec. 18, T.19 N., R.6 W., Boone County

Selected as integral component of potential Plum Creek Rural Historic District. Contains collection of historic Livestock and Cash Grain buildings.

B000-177: Wm, and Arthur. Rudman Farmstead, 1913-1940


Location: NW 114, NW 114, Sec. 29, T.19 N., R.6 W., Boone County

Identified as contributor to potential Plum Creek Rural Historic District based on significant collection of early to mid-20th century farm buildings.

B000-178: The Rudman Farmstead, ca, 1885-1925


Location: S 112, SW 114, Sec. 20, T.19 N., R.6 W., Boone County

Excellent collection of Livestock and Cash Grain farm buildings on homestead of English-born immigrants in potential Plum Creek Rural Historic District.

B000-222: Daniel McCardy Farmstead, ca. 1915


Location: NW 114, NW 1/4, Sec. 35, T.18 N., R.8 W., Boone County

, Significant blend of domestic and agriculture-related buildings indicative of Northeastern Livestock and Cash Grain farming.

COMMERCE

B002-169: Commercial Building, ca. 1900

Potential Historic Context(s): Commerce - Retail

Location: N.S. Church St. between 3rd and 4th St., Albion, Boone County

The Albion News Building; a well-preserved example of a "turn-of-the- century" masonry building located in Albion commercial district.


Potential Historic Context(s): Commerce - Professional

Location: N .S. Church St. between 4th and 5th St., Albion, Boone County

Small-scale brick commercial building indicative of early 20th century Main Street architecture with high degree of historic integrity.


Potential Bistoric Context(s): Commerce - Retail

Location: N.S. Main St. between 4th and 5th St., Albion, Boone County

One-story brick building with recessed central entry typical of commercial streetscape of early 20th century.

B004-15: S. S, Hadley Bank Building,. ca. 1910

Potential Historic Context(s): Commerce - Banking

Location: N .W .C. Main Ave. and 2nd S t . , Cedar Rapids, Boone County

B007-1: Andres Commercial Building, ca, 1903

Potential Historic Context(s): Commerce - R e t a i l

Location: N.S. Main S t . between 2nd and 3 rd S t . , Pe t e r sbu rg , Boone County

Included i n Pre l iminary Inventory as example of popular ized f a l s e f r o n t b u i l d i n g used ex t ens ive ly i n .. l a te 1 9 t h cen tury commercial d i s t r i c t s . ~.



Location: S.S. Main S t . between 1st and 2nd S t . , Pe t e r sbu rg , Boone County

C i r ca 1900 commercial bu i ld ing chosen f o r h igh r e t e n t i o n of h i s t o r i c i n t e g r i t y and l o c a l l y unique recessed facade . ,

B010-13: E. D. Vieths Commercial Building, 1901


Location: N.S. Beaver S t . between 2nd and 3 rd S t . , S t . Edward, Boone County

Well-preserved example of t h e two-part composi t ional bu i ld ing type which housed t h e commercial e n t e r p r i s e s of l o c a l l y prominent retai ler E. D. Vieths .

B002-1: Albion Nat ional Bank, 1903


Location: 140 So. 4th St., Albion, Boone County

Two-story limestone bank building designed by architectural firm of .Fisher & Lowrie, Omaha, NE. Selected for role in economic and financial development of local area.

BO10-16: Bank of S t . Edward, ca. 1903


Location: N.S. Beaver St. between 3rd and 4th St., St. Edward, Boone County

Significant example of Neoclassical style architecture in well-preserved facade of limestone bank.

COMMUNICATION

B002-170: Albion Telephone O f f i c e , ca , 1910

Potential Historic Context(s): Conimunication - Telephone

Location: S.S. Church S t . between 3rd and 4 t h S t . , Albion, Boone County

One-story b r i c k t e l e p h o n e o f f i c e s y m b o l i z e s t h e development of t h e te lephone communication system i n Albion dur ing t h e e a r l y 20th century.

B007-12: Petersburg Post O f f i c e , ca . 1887

Potential Historic Context(s): Communication - P o s t a l

Location: S 1 /2 Lot 4, Block 9 , O r i g i n a l Town, Petersburg , Boone County

Frame f a l s e f r o n t pos t o f f i c e s i g n i f i c a n t f o r its r o l e a s t h e primary d i s t r i b u t i o n po in t f o r w r i t t e n communication dur ing t h e e a r l y permanent s e t t l emen t of Petersburg.

SETTLEMENT SYSTEMS

B000-11: Abandoned Farmstead, ca. 1908

Potential Historic Context(s): Settlement Systems - Rural

Location: NW 114, NE 114, Sec. 2,.T.20 N., R.8 W., Boone County

Judged as potentially eligible due to use of concrete block materials in construction of individually unique Supratype 63 house form.

B000-103: Iver Fulsaas Farmstead, ca. 1890


Despite abandoned and deteriorated condition, Fulsaas house was selected as a symbol of early rural settlement in northeast Boone County and for its association with Norwegian culture.

B000-113: Abandoned Farmhouse, ca. 1880

Potential Historic Context(s): Settlement Systems - Rural Dwelling

Location: NW 1/4, SW 1/4, Sec. 10,T.21 N., R.5 W., Boone County Circa 1880 abandoned farmhouse selected as a late 19th century example of the numerically significant Supratype 40 with possible ethnic associa- tions.

B000-200: John Peterson "All View Farm," ca. 1912

Potential Kstoric Context(s): Settlement Systems - Rural

Location: SW 1/4, SW 1/4, Sec. 25, T.20 N., R.5 W., Boone County

Farmstead of Danish-born immigrant significant for style-conscious design and possible association with Northeast Livestock and Cash Grain farming.

B000-230: Peter Simpson Farmstead, c a m 1890


Location: SE 114, SW 114, 'Sec. 34, T.19 N., R.5 W., Boone County

Peter Simpson House chosen for possible association with ethnic immigra- tion and for association with the non-extant site of the Simpson Brick- yard.

B002-3: House, c a m 1910

Potential Historic Context(s): Settlement Systems - Town Dwellings

Location: 833 So. Fifth St., Albion, Boone County

Selected as a fine example of the gambrel roof derivative of Shingle Style design and for possible association with significant persons.

B002-12: House, ca. 1905


Location: 632 So. 3rd St., Albion, Boone County .

Significant example of the Free Classic subtype of Queen Anne architecture with possible association to locally significant persons.

B002-17: House, ca. 1918


Location: 814 So. 3rd St., Albion, Boone County

Excellent example of the popular Craftsman-style house which was the predominant style employed in Albion home building from 1915 to 1925.

B002-50: House, ca, 1895

Potential Historic Context(s): Settlement Systems - Town Dwelling


Circa 1895 frame house selected for its locally rare use of Italianate ornamentation on an expanded I-house plan.

B002-59: House, ca, 1918



Selected as a future research property under Criterion D and for possible associa$ion with significant local persons.'

B002-63: House, ca. 1911



Selected as an example of the numerically significant Supratype 52 with potential association to the Sears pattern-book houses of the early 20th century.

B002-94: House, ca. 1895



Included in the Inventory as a significant example of the gable front and wing subtype associated with the Folk Victorian house style.

B002-140: House, ca. 1905


Location: West end of Marengo St. at So. 9th St., Albion, Boone County

Second of two Albion houses illustrative of gambrel roof,subtype associated with Shingle Style design (see B002-3).

B002-187: House, ca. 1900

Potential Historic Context(s) : Settlement Systems - Town Dwelling

Lacation: 542 W. Main St., Albion, Boone County

Eclectic Folk Victorian house of late 19th century indicative of house types built in Albion during early post-railroad settlement.

B002-203: House, ca. 1912

Potential Bistoric Context(s): Settlement Systems - Town Dwellings


Excellent example of the vernacularized version of Prairie style architecture extensively employed in Albion in the form of the numerically significant Supratype 84.

B004-13: D r . William Reeder House, ca. 1900


Location: N.W.C. 3rd St. and Dayton St., Cedar Rapids, Boone County

Significant as a fine example of the stylistic development of Queen Anne residential architecture and for possible association with significant persons.

B004-14: House, cam 1915


Location: S.W.C. 3rd St. and Dayton St., Cedar Rapids, Boone County

Selected for its individually unique expression of the popular Craftsman style house design and for possible association with significant persons.

B004-26: House, cam 1905


Location: N.W.C. 5th St. and Cedar St., Cedar Rapids, Boone County

Potential significance derived from individually unique Supratype 7 house form and for possible association with ethnic cultures.

B007-35: House, ca. 1890


Location: Lot 3 Block 11, Original Town, Petersburg, Boone County

Chosen as a well-preserved example of the numerically significant gable- front vernacular house (Supratype 36), with possible association to ethnic cultures.

B007-41: Bouse, ca. 1905

Potential Historic Context(s): Settlement Systems-- Town Dwellings

Location: N.W.C. 3rd St. and Widaman St., Petersburg, Boone County

Locally unique example of Queen Anne style ornamentation applied to the small-scale house form of the numerically significant Supratype 78.

B010-24: House, ca. 1922


Location: 701 Beaver St., St. Edward, Boone County

Excellent example df the side-gable subtype associated with the Craftsrnan- style house design employed extensively throughout Boone County.

B010-34: House, ca. 1903


Location: N.W.C. 11th St. and Beaver St., St. Edward, Boone County

Significant as a representative of the Free Classic subtype associated with Queen Anne architecture and for possible association with significant persons.

B010-47: House, ca. 1890


Location: 1001 Main St., St. Edward, Boone County

Circa 1890 brick house representing one of the earliest local uses of masonry in residential construction. Potentially associated with significant person.

B010-64: House, ca. 1895


Location: 107 Lovers Lane, St. Edward, Boone County

Selected as a future research property with-potential association to Northern European ethnic cultures.

General Summary Par t 2:

A Topical Discussion and L i s t i n g of Boone County H i s t o r i c P r o p e r t i e s

The following d i s c u s s i o n c o n s i s t s of a t o p i c a l summary of t h e

h i s t o r i c p r o p e r t i e s documented during t h e Boone County H i s t o r i c Buildings

Survey. This discussion i s arranged according t o t h e Topical L i s t i n g of

H i s t o r i c Contexts authored by t h e Nebraska S t a t e H i s t o r i c Preservat ion

Office. It includes only a discuss ion of those H i s t o r i c Contexts which

conta in p roper t i e s judged as e i t h e r p o t e n t i a l l y e l i g i b l e f o r t h e National

Regis ter of H i s t o r i c Places o r as con t r ibu to r s t o t h e h i s t o r i c cha rac te r

of Boone County. Included a t t h e end of each summary is a l i s t i n g of

p r o p e r t i e s which appear p o t e n t i a l l y s i g n i f i c a n t w i t h r e s p e c t t o t h e

H i s t o r i c Context being discussed. Each of these l i s t i n g s has been broken

i n t o two p a r t s containing (1) those p roper t i e s i l l u s t r a t e d i n t h e Prelimi-

nary Inventory (General Summary P a r t 1 ) which bear t h e g r e a t e s t p o t e n t i a l

f o r National Regis ter l i s t i n g , and (2) those p roper t i e s con t r ibu t ing t o

t h e h i s t o r i c charac ter of t h e county which are of secondary p r i o r i t y with

r e spec t t o National Regis ter l i s t i n g .

H i s t o r i c C o n t e x t : R e l i g i o n

The contextual t o p i c of r e l i g i o n , as one might ga ther , encompasses

any c u l t u r a l manifes ta t ion r e l a t i v e t o t h e f a i t h f u l d e v o t i o n of a n

acknowledged dei ty . This inc ludes any s o c i a l e n t i t y r e l a t i n g t o sacred

organiza t ions and r i t u a l s o r considered a sacred place. I n t e rms of

h i s t o r i c b u i l d i n g s and s t r u c t u r e s , t h i s inc ludes churches, parsonage-

r e c t o r i e s , cemeteries, fe l lowship h a l l s , and s c h o o l s . The H i s t o r i c

Buildings Survey of Boone County provided 31 re l ig ious-re la ted p roper t i e s

with a corresponding t o t a l of 34 con t r ibu t ing buildings, two. con t r ibu t ing

o b j e c t s , and nine cont r ibut ing sites. These. 31 documented p roper t i e s

c o n s i s t of n ine r u r a l cemeteries, n ine town churches, e i g h t town church

complexes, two church schools , two r u r a l churches, and one church parson-

age. The most s i g n i f i c a n t grouping of churches was found i n Albion

(B002). These churches were not only numerically s i g n i f i c a n t (8) but were

a l s o noteworthy f o r t h e i r use o f s t y l i s t i c m o t i f s and r e t e n t i o n of

h i s t o r i c i n t e g r i t y . Spec i f i c churches i n Albion which displayed enduring

qualities were St. John's Episcopal Church, 1888 (B002-92) and

St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1908 (B002-172). The documentation of

churches was less productive in the rural environs than what had been

anticipated. In fact, only two rural-based churches were documented in

Boone County with one of these being relocated to a rural "museum-like"

collection of historic buildings (B000-1, Lindsay Church). The other

rural-based church documented by the survey (Akron Presbyterian Church,

B000-9) was, however, judged as potentially eligible for National Register

listing and was included in the Preliminary Inventory.

Of the 31 religious-related properties documented in Boone County,

nine were included in the Preliminary Inventory as potentially eligible

for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). An

additional five properties were judged as contributors to the historic

character of the county but are of secondary priority with respect to NRHP listing.

Potentially Eligible NRHP Properties: Akron Presbyterian Church

St. ~ohn's Episcopal Church, 1888

First United Methodist Church, 1907

St. Michael' s Catholic Church, 1908

St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1918

St. ~ohn's Catholic School, 1911

St. John's Catholic Rectory, 1919

St. Edward Methodist Episcopal Church, 1919

First Presbyterian Church, 1915

Second Priority NRHP Properties: B002-45 BOO2-160 Bolo-49

B002-96 BOO6-6 BoO4-39

Historic Context: Legal Systems

The Historic Context entitled Legal Systems involves the binding

customs of a community prescribed and enforced by a local authority. The

set of historic buildings which correspond to this topic can be quite

broad but includes, among others, law enforcement, correctional, and

regulatory buildings. ~ n f ortunately, only three historic properties fitting the Legal Systems context were recorded in Boone County. These

three were the Cedar Rapids City Hall, 1913 (B004-23); the Petersburg

Jail, 1902 (B007-13); and the St. Edward City Water Maintenance Building, .

ca. 1908 (B010-41). Most notable among these buildings is the Petersburg

Jail. This building was constructed in 1902 and consists of a small-scale

one-story brick structure with a hipped roof and segmental door and window

openings. The Petersburg Jail was considered potentially eligible for the

NRHP based on its role in the enforcement of law during the early 20th

century.

Potentially Eligible NRHP Properties: B007-13: Petersburg Jail, 1902

Historic Context: Education

The contextual topic of Education encompasses any act or process

which imparts or aids in the acquisition of knowledge. This title is

quite self-explanatory with primary emphasis focused upon the components

of schooling and enrichment. Historic buildings which fit this context

are, among others, libraries, museums, and various forms or levels of

schools.

A total of 27 educational-related properties were documented in Boone County. Of these 27 individual properties, 15 were rural schoolhouses

located in the outlying environs of the county while the remaining 12 were

located within six various communities. The documentation of 15 rural-

based schools appears somewhat significant for, in other northeast' NeHBS

counties surveyed to this point (Boyd, Cedar, Knox, Thurston, Holt), the

integrity and survival of historic rural schools has been limited. Of the

15 documented rural schools, six were considered potentially eligible for

the NRHP based on their role in the development of the rural educational

system and/or use of stylistic motifs. These five properties are: Beaver

Valley Schoolhouse, 1925 (B000-22); District 56 Schoolhouse, 1929

(MOO-99); Sunnyside Schoolhouse, 1924 (B000-164); Vorhees Valley School-

house, 1923 (B000-205); District 14 Schoolhouse, 1920 (B000-243); and

District 42 ~choolhouse, 1882 (MOO-179). The first five of these schools

mentioned above were constructed during the 1920s as a part of a county-

wide effort to upgrade late 19th century facilities. Each of these

schools - employed, in various manifestations , ornamental mot if s of the Neoclassical style. The sixth rural school mentioned above (District 42,

1882, B000-179) is a somewhat deteriorated example of the late 19th

century one-room hall type schoolhouse constructed during the early

permanent settlement of Boone County.

Of the 12 schools located within six various Boone County com-

munities, two were considered potentially eligible for the NRHP. These

are the Cedar Rapids Public School, 1927 (B004-l), designed by architect

George Grabe, and St. John's Catholic School, 1911 (B007-16) which was

also noted for its association to religion. It should be noted that four

of the 12 town schools were located in the smaller community of Primrose.

However, the schools were relocated to their current locations in the late

1960s following a 1965 tornado which claimed many historic properties.

Potentially Eligible NRHP Properties: Beaver Valley School, 1925

District 56 School, 1929

Sunnyside School, 1924

District 42 School, 1882

Vorhees Valley School, 1923

Albion Carnegie Library, 1909

Cedar Rapids Public School, 1927

District 14 School, ca. 1920

Second Priority NRHP Properties: B000-243 Bolo-77

B008-13 BoO8-15

Historic Context: Agriculture

The Historic Contexts relating to the theme of Agriculture will

obviously be of great variety and importance to Nebraska. As a predomi-

nantly agrarian-based society, the economic well-being of the state is, in

part, dependent upon the production of crops and livestock. Like other.

Nebraska counties, the settlement of Boone County was correspondent to the

agricultural success of the early permanent settlers. Consequently, the

documentation of historic agricultural properties in Boone County was an

important and numerically significant task. Bearing this out is the fact

that a total of 229 individual farm sites were documented by the Historic

Buildings Survey of Boone County. These 229 properties accounted for 998

contributing buildings, 78 contributing structures, and 110 contributing

objects. These totals appear consistent with those of other northeast

NeHBS counties containing a similar geographic area.

The farmsteads documented by the survey are collectively viewed as an

important historic resource for the state of Nebraska. They portray the

raw materials of a people and an industry responsible for the settlement

of a vast portion of our state. The continued existence of some of the

farms documented in Boone County is, however, somewhat in doubt. In fact,

121 or approximately 53% of the 229 farms recorded were either abandoned

farmsteads or farmhouses. The majority of these farms range in their era

of construction from approximately 1885 to 1930. They contain the basic

buildings necessary to crop and animal production such as cattle and hog

barns, drive-thru corn cribs, granaries, and implement sheds. Particular

emphasis was placed on the observance of farm properties relating to

Livestock and Cash Grain farming. This farming type was identified in the

1930s by authors associated with the University of Nebraska College of

Agriculture (Hedges and Elliott; Garey) as the predominant type of

agriculture conducted in Boone County. This farming type was indeed

prevalent throughout the duration of the rural survey with over 90% of all

farms surveyed exhibiting some connection to cattle and/or hog production.

Some of the more noteworthy properties within this context are: the

Rudman Farmsteads (B000-177, ca. 1915 and B000-178, ca. 1885-1925); the

Alfred Paup' Farmstead (B000-176, ca. 1913); and the Daniel McCardy

Farmstead (B000-222, ca. 1915). These four properties in addition to five

other general agriculture farmsteads were recommended for listing in the

NRHP'and are illustrated in the Preliminary Inventory.

Potentially Eligible NRHP Properties: B000-21: Thomas Norskov Farmstead, ca. 1893

B000-62: John Mannlein Farmstead, ca. 1912

B000-64: Heinrich Kettler Farmstead, ca. 1890 & 1915

B000-110: Charles Swanson Farmstead, ca. 1910

B000-160: Pierson D. Smith Farmstead, 1876 & 1927

B000-176: Alfred Paup Farmstead, ca. 1915

B000-177: Wm. and Arthur Rudman Farmstead, 1913-1940

B000-178: The Rudman Farmstead, ca. 1885-1925

B000-222: Daniel McCardy Farmstead, ca. 1915

Second Priority NRHP Properties: B000-19 MOO-172

B000-44 BOOO-183

B000-95 MOO-191

BOOO-101 BOOO-206

B000-106 MOO-217

B000-109 BOOO-239

B000-131 MOO-241

Historic Context: Processing Industry

The Historic Context relating to the Processing Industry in Nebraska

refers to the processing, preparation, and consumption of food. This

includes such industries as canning, crop and grain milling, dairy,

poultry, meat packing and rendering. The discussion of this topic will be

brief, but is included in the topical summary for one primary reason.

This is, the Albion Milling Company, located in Albion adjacent to the

former Omaha, Niobrara and Black Hills Railroad. The Albion Milling

Company Building (B002-166) is believed to have been built around 19.05 and

operated until 1931 when it was purchased by the Norco Feed Mill Company.

The mill specialized in the mixing of livestock feed products and played a

locally significant role in the development of the agriculture industry.

Second Priority NRHP Properties:.

BO02-166

Historic Context: Commerce

Typically, historic properties relating to the theme of commerce

often constitute a large percentage of the buildings recorded in a

reconnaissance survey. However, the Historic Buildings Survey of Boone

cointy produced a somewhat less than significant number of commerce-

related properties. Given the fact that Boone County contains seven

communities with an accumulative 1980 population of 3,881 people, it was

somewhat disappointing that only 38 total commerce-related properties were

recorded. These 38 properties account for only 5.4% of the 700 total

properties documented in the county. A general lack of integrity among commercial "Main Street" buildings was observed in Albion (B002), Boone

(B003), Loretto (B006), Primrose (B008), and St. Edward (Bolo). Par-

ticularly disappointing were the communities of Albion and St. Edward

which account for 75% of the county population yet produced only 18

commercial buildings worthy of documentation. Albion, despite containing

four individually noteworthy buildings, lacked a visually distinct

collection of commercial buildings. The historic buildings in the central

business district of Albion were found in random placements on three

different streets and lacked an assertive distinction as to which of the

three was the primary commercial streetscape. Because of this, the Albion

business district lacks a sense of enclosure and is void of a collective

image of historically identified commercial buildings.

St. Edward, on the other hand, does contain an enclosed commercial

streetscape along a primary axis, but unfortunately exhibited a lack of

integrity within the specific buildings comprising this enclosed street-

scape. The exceptions to this for St. Edward were the Neoclassic style

St. Edward Bank (B010-16) and the E. D. Vieths Commercial Building, 1901 (Bolo-13).

Exceptions to the general county-wide lack of integrity among

commercial properties were found in Cedar Rapids (B004) and Petersburg

(B007). These communities, despite containing only one-fourth the

population of Albion and St. Edward, produced the same number (18) of

documented commercial properties. The buildings of these communities,

while not exceedingly noteworthy, are mentioned at this point for their

representation of typical early 20th century frame and masonry commercial

buildings.

Potential NRHP Properties:

Commercial Building, ca. 1900


Commercial-Building, ca. 1900

Andres Commercial Building, ca. 1903


E. D. Vieths Commercial Building, 1901 Albion National Bank, 1903

Bank of St. Edward, ca. 1903

S. S. Hadley Bank Building, ca. 1910

Second Priority NRHP Properties: B007-23: Loxterkamp Commercial Building, 1909

B007-25: Citizens State Bank, 1901

B007-26: Farmers State Bank, 1892

B008-14: False Front Commercial Building, ca. 1900

Historic Context: Communication

The historic theme of communication consists of the transfer of

information from location to location or from individual to individual.

This would include communications through the means of telegraph, tele-

phone, television, postal service, newspaper, and radio. Buildings which

fit this context include, among others, post offices, newspaper offices,

and telephone buildings. Normally, one would a n t i c i p a t e f ind ing a l a r g e

number of bui ld ings which f i t t h i s c o n t e x t . However, t h e H i s t o r i c

Buildings Survey of Boone County recorded only four h i s t o r i c bui ld ings

which f i t t h i s context. These four bui ld ings a r e t h e Albion Post Off ice ,

1937 (B002-4); t h e Albion Telephone B u i l d i n g , 1909 (B002-170); t h e

Petersburg Telephone Of f i ce (B007-11); and t h e former P e t e r s b u r g P o s t

Off ice , ca. 1887 (B007-12). There were no communication-related bui ld ings

documented i n any of t h e f i v e o the r communities i n Boone County. Of t h e

four p roper t i e s recorded, two were included i n t h e Prel iminary Inventory

as p o t e n t i a l l y e l i g i b l e f o r t h e National Regis ter of H i s t o r i c P l a c e s .

These are t h e Albion Telephone Of f i ce (B002-170), a one-story b r i ck

bui ld ing constructed i n 1909, and t h e former P e t e r s b u r g P o s t O f f i c e

(B007-12), a frame f a l s e f r o n t bui ld ing constructed i n 1887 which has been

l i t e r a l l y shoved t o t h e back of t h e Main S t r e e t l o t it once f ronted upon.

P o t e n t i a l l y E l i g i b l e NRHP Proper t ies :

B002-170: Albion Telephone Off ice , 1909

B007-12: Former Petersburg Post Off ice , ca. 1887

Second P r i o r i t y NRHP Proper t ies :

B002-4 : Albion Post Off ice , 1937

Historic Context: Settlement Systems

Settlement Systems is t h e broad contextual t i t l e encompassing t h e

d iv i s ion , acqu i s i t ion , and ownership of land. This theme a l s o conta ins

t h e p a t t e r n s g e n e r a t e d t h r o u g h p o l i t i c a l , r e l i g i o u s , o r commercial

a c t i v i t i e s t o f a c i l i t a t e t h e establishment of c u l t u r a l sys tems . Not

s u r p r i s i n g l y , t h i s t o p i c contained t h e g r e a t e s t number of documented

h i s t o r i c p roper t i e s within Boone County. . Of t h e 700 t o t a l p roper t i e s

recorded i n Boone County, 358 o r 51% f a l l wi th in t h e theme of Settlement

Systems. This t o t a l appears t o be f a i r l y cons i s t en t with t h a t of o ther

n o r t h e a s t NeHBS c o u n t i e s con ta in ing a s i m i l a r geographic s i z e . The

r e t e n t i o n of h i s t o r i c i n t e g r i t y t h a t these 358 p roper t i e s displayed was

o b v i o u s l y q u i t e v a r i e d . I n some i n s t a n c e s , t h e i n t e g r i t y had been

severely compromised through later alterations or additions, while in

other cases, buildings were recorded which were extremely similar to their

original condition. The era of construction for these properties was

quite diverse as well. Construction dates appear to range from the first

crude pre-railroad dwellings of the 1870s to the period-revival houses of

the 1930s.

The majority of the 358 Settlement System properties appeared in two

basic forms: (1) the simple, unadorned vernacular house, and (2) the

Craftsman style house built in abundance from 1915 to 1925. In addition

to this, a smaller group of "high-style" houses were also observed. These

style-oriented houses, with the exception of the Craftsman, occurred

rather infrequently. Despite this infrequent occurrence, however, the

"high-style" houses were represented by a broad range of stylistic types.

These included Italianate, Stick, Shingle, Folk Victorian, Queen Anne, and

a vernacularized version of Prairie style.

Besides accounting for the largest percentage of recorded buildings,

the contextual theme of Settlement Systems also represents the largest

number of properties recommended for the National Register of Historic

Places. Twenty-four of the 60 properties recommended as potentially

eligible for the NRHP are found in the Preliminary Inventory under the

heading of Settlement Systems. The listing of these properties as well as

that of second priority properties is included below.

Potentially Eligible NRHP Properties: Abandoned Farmstead, ca. 1908

Iver Fulsaas Farmstead, ca. 1890

Abandoned Farmhouse, ca. 1880

John Peterson "All View Farm," ca. 1912

Peter Simpson Farmstead, ca. 1890

House, ca. 1910

House, ca. 1905

House, ca. 1918

House, ca. 1895

House, ca. 1918

House,

House,

House,

House,

House,

D r . Wm.

House,

House,

House,

House,

House,

House,

House,

House,

ca. .I911

ca. 1895

ca. 1905

ca. 1900

ca. 1912

Reeder House, ca. 1900

ca. 1915

ca. 1905

ca. 1890

ca. 1905

ca. 1922

ca. 1903

ca. 1890

ca. 1895

Second P r i o r i t y NRHP Proper t ies :

B000-114 B002-108

moo-122 B002-123

B002-15 B002-126

B002-18 B002-127

B002-33 B002-129

B002-34 B002-132

BOO2-47 B002-f 41

B002-49 B002-144

B002-85 B002-151

B002-86 B002-161

Bo02-88 B002-173

B002-97 B002-174

B002-98 B002-175

B002-102

General Smnuary Part 3:

A Supratype Summary of Boone County House Types

It is no surprise that domestic architecture is the most frequently

recorded resource in reconnaissance-level surveys. The Boone County

survey was no exception producing a total of 513 residential resources.

This total represents 30.3% of the 1,691 contributing buildings and struc-

tures within the study area. The preservation of this building type can

be attributed to the continuing social need for shelter and the predomi-

nant location of residences in towns where the opportunity for occupancy

is greater. The recording of residential buildings in the Boone County

survey included not only occupied resources, but abandoned as well. In

addition, all houses that were surveyed as part of a church site or

farmstead were included in the aforementioned totals.

In consideration of the large abundance of these resources and in an

attempt to avoid "stylistic" designations, the method of Core Supratype

Analysis (as developed by the Midwest Vernacular Architecture Committee,

D. Murphy: 1985) has been implemented. The supratype analysis eliminates

the subjective labeling of domestic buildings according to "style" and.

imposes instead, an objective description based on the primary external

mass of the house. To best define the components of this method, an

excerpt from the South Bottoms Historic District National Register

Nomination (D. Murphy: 1987, 1-4) is included below.

The supratype is a categorization based exclusively on the

external massing of houses, similar to that first developed by

Kniffen (1936) under the ruberick of "type." The term "supra-

type" is applied here to distinguish it from the more current

methods of type analysis which are based on form, that is, on

external massing and internal space, such as that developed by

Glassie (1975).

Core supratypes are defined by combinations of five massing

elements as applied to the core structure of houses. Core

structure is defined as the predominant mass element which

cannot be further subdivided (Figure 2). In general, core

refers to that portion of a house which is exclusive of wings

and porches. The mass elements which. compose the core include

its shape, relative size, wall height, roof type, and its

orientation on the site.

Fig. 2. The core structure derived from the house (aftei Murphy).

Shape designations for core structures are geometric, based

on the ground-level outline of the core. Designations include

square (S), rectangular (R), tee-shaped (T), ell-shaped (L), cross-shaped (X), U-shaped (U), polygonal (P), H-shaped (H),

courtyard (C), irregular (I), and circular (0). The horizontal size of the core is related to a need to

distinguish large houses from small ones. Size, in the supra-

typal method, refers to horizontal dimension and is applied only

to the narrowest dimension of the core, or to its width. While

actual dimensions are recorded, houses are sorted based upon 11units" of measurement which approximate the number of rooms a

given width normally could contain (e.g., one, one with hall,

two rooms, etc.). Units of width in the South Bottoms Historic

District are defined as 0.5 (less than 14 ft.) , 1.0 (14-19 ft .), 1.5 (20-29 ft.), 2.0 (30-39 ft.), and 2.5 (40 ft. or greater).

The second measurement of size involves the height of the

core. We designate this dimension in terms of stories, even

though it is based exclusively on the height of the external

wall, not on the amount of usable internal space. The measure-

ment is based on the facade wall, the top of which is expressed

by the eave line (Figure 3). Thus attics, the space beneath a

sloping roof, are not considered in determinations of height.

Fig. 3. Wall height guidelines illustrated, note the eave line: a) one story, b) one-and--onehalf story, c) two story (after Murphy).

The fourth massing element is.roof type. These are so well

known that they need little explanation. The supratypal method

utilizes only four generic types for simplicity, subsuming under

these all the variants (Figure 4). The four types include flat

(F) , shed (S), hipped (H, including pyramidal and mansard), and

gabled (G, including gambrel and gerkinhead) .

Fig. 4. Generic roof types: H: hipped; G: gable; S: shed; F: f l a t (after Murphy) .

68

The last aspect of mass used in describing .core supratypes

involves the orientation .of the core on the site, relative to

its facade. Facade is defined as that wall which is the

architectural front of the house, facing the road or the street,

which is usually but not always more highly decorated. Facades

also usually but not always incorporate the main entrance.

Orientation is expressed in. latitudinal (La), longitudinal (Lo),

and non-applicable (Na) terms. There are several core shapes

for which orientation is not applicable. Since only two shapes,

the square (S) and the rectangular (R), are statistically

significant in South Bottoms, orientation will be discussed only

for 'those two here.

For rectangular shapes,. if the narrow (gable) end faces the

street, the axis of its roof is perpendicular to the street.

Its orientation i's then termed longitudinal (Lo). If the eave

side faces the street, its roof ridge runs parallel to the

street and its orientation is described as latitudinal (La).

Orientation is always applicable for rectangular cores.

For square shapes (S), where both the front and side

dimensions are equal, we would normally consider orientation to

be non-applicable (Na). This is true for squares with hipped or

pyramidal roofs. However, if the square core is sheltered by a

gable roof, the ridge provides an illusion of orientation as

though it were rectangular in shape. Therefore, square shapes

with gable roofs have orientation recorded in the same fashion

as that for rectangular cores.

In summary, core supratypes are external massing categori-

zations applied to the core structure of houses. Core structure

is the predominant mass element which cannot be further sub-

divided (that portion of the house exclusive of subordinate

wings and porches). Five massing aspects of the core are used

to derive the supratype-its shape, relative size, height, roof

type, and orientation. Particular combinations of these aspects

are designated numerically (S.#). (D. Murphy: South Bottoms

~istoric'District - National Register Nomination, 1987, 1-4).

Boone County House Types

The use of the Core Supratype analysis in the reconnaissance-level

survey proved beneficial in that it created an objective process of

interpretation for the recording of historic residences. The residential

properties documented in the Boone County survey are represented by 97

different supratypes. A numerical designation has been assigned to each of these 70 types (e.g., S.l, S.2, S.3, etc.). A master list of the 97

individual types is included in this report as Appendix 2.

While 97 various supratypes may seem like a varied lot for 513 total

resources, a somewhat more narrow group actually represents the majority

of the documented properties. In fact, 12 supratype categories account

for 57.3% of all recorded sites. Furthermore, 43% of all Boone County

houses fit into one of only' seven supratype categories. The supratype

recording of historic houses has produced a large volume of data which can

be analyzed in an infinite number of ways. However, in an. attempt to

present a concise and useful summary of the supratype data, Save America's

Heritage has focused on the answers to two basic questions. These are:

1. What were the numerically significant supratypes of the entire

county?

2. What were the numerically significant supratypes of town

locations versus those of rural locations?

To answer these questions, a numerical analysis of the 97 supratypes was

performed to derive a minimum level of significance. With a survey total

of 513 houses, this minimum level was established at 5% necessitating a

representation of 26 or more houses. Of the 97 supratypes generated by

the Boone County survey, six individual types exceed the 5% level and are

summarized in the following discussion.

. Supratype 41

Supratype No. 41; R, 1.5u, 1.0s, G, Lo. Among the 97 supratypes

present in Boone County, Supratype No. 41 was the most frequently recorded

house form representing 9.2% of the 513 surveyed houses. The essential

characteristics of this type consist of a rectangular-shaped core with the

narrowest dimension ranging from 20 to 29 feet, a height of one story, and

a gable roof running in a longitudinal orientation. This house type

appears to have been started in the early settlement years of the 1890s

and was carried into the 1920s where it was more commonly adorned with I1craf tsman" decorative motifs. The strong representation of this house

type is due mostly to its predominant use in town locations. In fact,

this type appeared in 11.7% of the 324 houses recorded in the eight Boone

County towns and was only documented in 4.7% of the 189 rural properties.

Supratype No. 84; S, 2.0u, 2.0s, H, n. Also numerically significant

among Boone County house types is Supratype 84, the "popular11 two-story square. The two-story square was a popular choice among many Nebraska

builders of the early 20th century. Therefore, it is not surprising that

S.84 was the second most frequently documented house form in Boone County

representing 6.2% of the 513 recorded houses. The S.84 consists of a two-

unit (30 to 39 feet) square core making it the largest of the numerically

significant houses in Boone County. The essential characteristics

defining this type are a wide square-shaped core rising to two stories in

height and covered with a pyramidal, truncated, or standard hipped roof.

Additional features common to this type are frontal porches, bay windows,

and hipped dormers. The predominant location for this 'house type was in

the rural environs of Boone County where it accounted for 13.8% of the 189

rural houses. Contrasting this is the infrequent documentation of the

S.84 in town locations where it represented only 1.9% of the 324 houses.

Supratype 36

Supratype No. 36; R , l.Ou, 1.5s, G, Lo. Supratype 36 was t i e d f o r

t h i r d as t h e most numerically s i g n i f i c a n t house type (5.9%) among t h e 97

types generated by t h e Boone County survey. The e s s e n t i a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

of t h e S.36 a r e a one and one-half s to ry rec tangular c o r e p laced i n

longi tudinal o r i e n t a t i o n with t h e narrow f r o n t gable-end ranging i n width

from 14 t o 19 f e e t . Most o f t e n t h e s e types contained a perpendicular s i d e

gable wing of shor te r he ight which usual ly contained an e n t r y protected by

a hipped roof porch. These houses were found i n a r e l a t i v e l y e q u a l

balance between r u r a l (6.3%) and town (5.5%) loca t ions and appear t o have

been b u i l t primari ly between t h e years of 1895 t o 1910.

Supratype 52

Supratype No. 52; R, 1.5u, 1.5s, G, Lo. Supratype 52 was also the

third most frequently recorded house type in Boone County (5.9%), and

differs only slightly from the aforementioned S.36. Both the S.52 and

S.36 belong to the R, G, Lo family of house types which, in combination

with 18 other supratypes, constitute 36% of the houses recorded in Boone

County. The differences between these two types is simply a matter of

width. While both consist of a one and one-half story rectangular core,

Supratype 52 has a slightly wider gable-ended dimension of 20 to 29 feet.

This gives the core of the S.36 a more narrow and vertical proportion than

its similarly recorded cousin. In addition, Supratype 52 differs slightly

in that it was found more frequently in town settings (6.5%) than it was

among rural locations (4.8%).

Supratype 40

Supratype No. 40; R, 1.5u, 1.0s, G, La. Supratype 40 was tied for

fifth as the most numerically significant house type (5.7%) among 97 types

generated by the Boone County survey. The essential characteristics of

the S.40 are a one-story rectangular core placed in a latitudinal orienta-

tion with a side gable-end ranging in width from 20 to 29 feet. Most

often these types appeared in the recognizable and generically known

11bungalow" form. Their primary era of construction was from 1915 to 1930

and they were found predominantly in the towns of Boone County (6.8%)

rather than outlying rural locations (3.7%).

Supratype 78

Supratype No. 78; S, 1.5u, 1.09, H, n. Also placing fifth among the

97 house types and the last to surpass the 5% level of significance is

Supratype 78. This type was found in 5.7% of all surveyed houses in Boone

County but was much more significantly represented in town locations

(8.3%) rather than rural locations (1.1%). This type is generically

referred to as a "one-story hipped roof square" and presumably consists' of

a four-room square plan. The width of the structure ranges from 20 to 29

feet and is usually protected by a truncated or pyramidal hipped roof.

This house type was one of the predominant forms used during the early

decades of the 20th century. Some of the urban examples contained hints

of Victorian (Queen Anne) stylistic detailing, but this type appeared

primarily in the form of unadorned vernacular houses.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE WORK

Throughout the duration of the Boone County survey, random observa-

tions were recorded in an effort to later construct recommendations for

future work. The general impressions recorded by the survey team were

then combined with a post-survey analysis of documented historic proper-

ties. The resulting recommendations were conceptualized by Save America's

Heritage to fit the "tools" of preservation and documentation available to

the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office. These tools consist of

Multiple Property, Historic District, and individual nominations to the

NRHP as well as intensive survey relating to Historic Context Reports.

The following suggestions are separated into two categories and are

presented without reference to priority. The two categories are:

1) NeSHPO National Register Follow-Up, and 2) Potential Thematic Studies.

National Register Recommendations

The first of the two categories, the NeSHPO National Register Follow-

Up, is a basic summary of the potential National Register of Historic

Places listing activities associated with the Boone County survey.

Save America's Heritage strongly suggests the drafting of nominations.

for all properties judged by NeSHPO staff as potentially eligible for the

National Register of Historic Places. The drafting of these nominations

may occur in two basic forms. First, as Multiple Property nominations for

all buildings which relate to Historic Contexts developed by the NeSHPO,

or as individual nominations of the 60 properties listed in the Prelimi-

nary Inventory of Boone County historic buildings. The properties which

appear in the Preliminary Inventory are those which appear potentially

eligible for the National Register and should be acted upon immediately

following the submittal of this report.

Potential Thematic Studies

The following priorities for future work recommended by Save

America's Heritage are listed thematically. These themes are presented at

this point is those which appear to have the greatest potential for

development i n t o H i s t o r i c Context Reports . The b a s i s f o r t h e s e sugges-

t i o n s were der ived from presurvey r e sea rch , a g r i c u l t u r a l ana lyses , and

Reconnaissance Survey observa t ions .

1. Northeastern Livestock and Cash Grain Farming

A s settlers came i n t o n o r t h e a s t Nebraska, t hey brought w i th them t h e

same a g r i c u l t u r a l p r a c t i c e s they had known i n - t h e Midwest co rnbe l t . Corn

was t h e u sua l f i r s t c rop put i n by settlers ( F i t e , p. 246). By t h e end of

t h e 19 th cen tu ry , r e a l advances i n s c i e n t i f i c farming began t o have an

impact on product ion. Crop r o t a t i o n , seed s e l e c t i o n , h i g h e r q u a l i t y

l i v e s t o c k through s e l e c t i v e breeding, and r e s e a r c h i n t o p l a n t and animal

d i s e a s e s were advances i n a g r i c u l t u r a l p r a c t i c e .

Two advances were very impor tan t t o i n t e n s i v e l i v e s t o c k product ion.

A serum t o prevent hog c h o l e r a r e s u l t e d i n a n i n c r e a s e i n product ion. The

o t h e r h igh ly s i g n i f i c a n t advance was i n t h e u s e of a l f a l f a i n r o t a t i o n

wi th corn t o main ta in s o i l f e r t i l i t y . T h i s allowed l i v e s t o c k product ion

t o be p r a c t i c e d on a more i n t e n s i v e l e v e l (Sweedlum, p. 207).

By t h e end of t h e 1930s t h e i n t e n s i v e l i v e s t o c k system of farming was

i n f u l l f lower w i th n o r t h e a s t Nebraska having more l i v e s t o c k per s e c t i o n

than any o t h e r area of t h e state (Hedges and E l l i o t t , pp. 36-38).

C a t t l e and hog f eed ing a r e t h e main l i v e s t o c k e n t e r p r i s e s . The va lue

of l i v e s t o c k h a s i nc reased through time. By 1969, Williams and Murfield

r e p o r t over 90% of farms r e p o r t i n g some k ind of l i v e s t o c k wi th r e c e i p t s

from l i v e s t o c k and l i v e s t o c k products account ing f o r over 80% of average

farm income (p. 33).

Data from t h e Census of Agr i cu l tu re f o r t h e y e a r s 1910 (p. 30) , 1935

(p. 326), and 1982 (p. 120) r e v e a l t h e number of Boone County farms has

dropped s u b s t a n t i a l l y . I n 1910 t h e r e were 1,821 farms i n t h e county, by

1935 t h e r e were 2,037 bu t only 857 i n 1982. The a v e r a g e s i z e f a r m

r e f l e c t s t h e s e t r e n d s as w e l l . I n 1910 t h e average f o r t h e county was 228

acres; as t h e number of farms inc reased , average ac reage f e l l t o 214 i n

1935, and as expected w i th t h e r educ t ion i n t h e number of farms seen i n

t h e 1982 census, t h e average acreage r o s e t o 505 acres. The average farm

s i z e i n each of t h e s e y e a r s is smaller than t h e state average f o r t h a t

time period which reflects the intensive nature of agriculture in the

area.

The drastic decline in the number of Boone County farms between 1935

and 1982 has important implications for historic building survey. As

farms are combined to increase acreage, farmsteads were likely abandoned.

Buildings designed to meet the changing economics and farming practices of

today are different than the traditional buildings of 50 years ago.

Theref ore, it is Save America' s Heritage recommendation that the North-

eastern Livestock and Cash Grain Area Historic Context Report be developed

by the NeSHPO and followed by an investigative study of historic proper-

ties within Boone County which relate to this context. For a list of

prospective properties fitting this context, please refer to Topical

Discussion and Listing found in Part 2 of the General Summary.

2. Plum Creek Multiple Property Nomination

A second thematic s tudy which shou ld b e f u r t h e r e v a l u a t e d f o r

po ten t i a l s ign i f i cance is t h e c o l l e c t i o n of h i s t o r i c p roper t i e s located

along Plum Creek. Plum Creek o r i g i n a t e s i n northwestern Boone County and

runs diagonally t o t h e southeas t where it e x i t s i n t o neighboring Nance

County. The H i s t o r i c Buildings Survey of Boone County recorded a somewhat

heavy concentrat ion of h i s t o r i c p roper t i e s adjacent t o Plum Creek. I n

f a c t , 24 h i s t o r i c p roper t i e s were recorded wi th in a proximity of one-half

mile from Plum Creek. These p roper t i e s conta in a d i r e c t physical re la-

t ionship with Plum Creek and suggest t h a t t h e creek may have served a s a

l i n e a r focus of se t t lement from as e a r l y a s 1878 t o a s l a t e a s 1910. The

24 recorded p roper t i e s a r e primari ly a s soc ia ted w i t h f o u r c o n t e x t u a l

themes. These are: Agriculture, Set t lement Systems, Education, and

Religion.

L i s t of P o t e n t i a l Contr ibuting Proper t ies : (24)

B000-8 B000-149

B000-9 BOOO-176

.B000-48 B000-177

B000-49 BOOO-178

B000-50 BOOO-179

BOOO-53 WOO-180

B000-146 B000-183

B000-147 BOOO-184

3. The Albion Craftsman-Style Historic District

TEE SOMER!S (from Houses by Mail, TEE SHERIDAN (from Houses by Mai l , a guide to houses from Sears a guide to houses from Sears Roebuck and Company). Roebuck and Company).

The Craftsman style, more commonly known in the Midwest as the

bungalow or the Bungloid style, finds its origins in Southern California.

Craftsman houses were inspired primarily by the work of two California

brothers, Charles Sumner and Henry Mather Green (McAlester, p. 454).

Around 1903 they began to design simple Craftsman-type bungalows and in

1909 several landmark examples called "ultimate bungalows" were designed

and executed. Popularity for this newfound California style found its way

into regional as well as national magazines such as Western Architect,

Good ~ousekeepin~, House Beautiful, and Architectural Record and soon

familiarized the nation with this style. Pattern books followed and

offered a wide variety of floor plans and exterior finishes. Not only

could one just look at pattern books for ideas, but in some instances,

could even purchase a "Craftsman bungalow" in pre-cut packages of lumber.

Then came the task of hiring a local contractor to assemble the structure.

Characteristic of the common bungalow is a one-story rectangular

shape with low pitched broad gable roof covering the major core of the

structure. Many times a smaller lower gabled porch or wing was added to

the front of the house. Other identifying features include eave overhangs

wi th exposed r a f t e r s , deco ra t ive knee b races added under t h e gables , wide

window openings, s t o u t boxed columns supported by p i e r s , and t h e use of

shed-type dormers. Wood c l a d is t h e most widely seen e x t e r i o r f i n i s h .

Other o f t e n used e x t e r i o r f i n i s h e s a r e wood s h i n g l e , b r i c k , o r s tone.

. T h e Midwest a n d Nebraska i n p a r t i c u l a r witnessed t h e ex t ens ive

development of t h e bungalow which w a s economical t o b u i l d and provided an

a l t e r n a t i v e t o t h e po.pular four-square P r a i r i e cube, o r b a s i c box. I n

looking a t previous ly surveyed towns of Nebraska, t h e bungalow consis-

t e n t l y appears as one of t h e most popular s t y l e s . One such town i s Albion

(B002), which contained a 1980 populat ion of 2,000 persons.

Proposed boundaries of Albion C r a f t ~ s t y l eDistrict with NeHBS site numbers.

The area bounded roughly by Park S t r e e t south t o Fairview S t r e e t and

from 2nd S t r e e t w e s t t o 5 t h S t r e e t supported a h igh occupancy of bungalow

types-a rate of 93% of t h e 35 r e s i d e n t i a l p r o p e r t i e s documented wi th in

t h e s tudy area . Af t e r t h e bungalow h o u s e s were i d e n t i f i e d , a more

d e t a i l e d a n a l y s i s w a s undertaken t o e s t a b l i s h t h e most common supra type of

t h i s s t y l e w i th in t h e s e boundar ies . R e s u l t s were s i m i l a r t o t h o s e

i l l u s t r a t e d i n A F i e l d Gu ide t o American Houses (V i rg in i a and Lee

McAlester, 1985, pp. 452-463) i n t h a t about one-third of Craftsman houses

were, of t h e f r o n t gabled roof type. Porches, e i t h e r f u l l o r p a r t i a l t o

83

the facade of the house, were almost evenly divided between attached or

integral to the main roof. Most examples are one-story or one and one-

half story with some two-story examples also appearing.

Side gable type: Integral porch Side gable type: Attached porch . a

Front gable type: Integral porch Front gable type: Attached porch

In supratype notation, the most common occurring house type within the

study area is R, 1.5u, 1.0s, G, La or Lo, Fe with full porch. Save America's Heritage. recognizes the architectural importance of

this neighborhood which consists of a high concentration of Craftsman, or

bungalow, style houses and proposes further investigation into this

subject. NeHBS site numbers for properties included within the proposed

district boundaries are included below.

Potentially Eligible Craftsman-Style Properties:

B002-15 B002-26 B002-7 3

B002-16 B002-27 B002-74

B002-17 B002-29 . B002-75

B002-18 B002-65 BOO2-76

APPENDIX 1

A RESEARCH DESIGN

FOR THE

HISTORIC BUILDINGS SURVEY

OF

BOONE COUNTY

RECONNAISSANCE RESEARCH DESIGN

1.- Introduction

It is the intention of this paper to contribute two important

functions towards the execution of the Reconnaissance Survey of Boone

County. First, it will provide Save America's Heritage (SAVE) survey team

with the guidelines by which the survey will be performed and secondly, it.

establishes a means of communicating these guidelines to NeSHPO project

managers for critique and refinement.

The format of this Research Design will be to discuss first the "non-

mechanical" aspects of the survey, followed by a discussion of the tasks

considered more "mechanical" in nature. The primary purpose of the ttmechanical" discussion is to define the documentation process used in the

recording of historic properties while the "non-mechanical" discussion

will consist of the survey objectives and limitations.

2.- Objectives Of Reconnaissance S m e y

After completing a preliminary outline of the objectives associated

with a reconnaissance survey, it became apparent that there was an obvious

division between those objectives which were qualitative in nature and

those that were quantitative. This division has organized the reconnais-

sance objectives into the two listings that follow.

Qualitative Objectives:

The most obvious objective of a reconnaissance-level survey is the

concept of providing a preliminary characterization of the historic

resources extant in a particular geographic area. Beyond this are several

other very important objectives which may be used to 'enhance both the

importance of the information generated by the reconnaissance-level survey

and the importance of the survey itself. First among these additional

objectives is the concept of establishing the setting of Nebraska's multi-

contextual historic architecture. Each historic building survey performed

will generate information which contributes to a statewide knowledge and

builds a background which future survey information can be evaluated with.

Secondly, it is the objective of the historic building survey to identify

specific properties or geographic areas which, in the event of an inten-

sive survey, would contribute useful information to the above-mentioned

multi-context setting. Further qualitative objectives include: the

possible identification of specific building types, the identification of

construction methodologies which may relate to or are unique to the

context of Nebraska's historic architecture, the identification of sites

worthy of National Register listing, and the expansion of knowledge

relative to a specific geographic area within the state context such as

ethnic settlement, building technologies and architectural image.

Outline of Qualitative Objectives:

To create a community awareness and interest in Historic Preservation

and the National Register of Historic Places.

The documentation of several significant sites which will eventually

be placed on the NRHP as individual, thematic, or district nomina-

tions.

To document site information concerning building typologies in a

format consistent with the NeSHPO Topical Listing, which can be used

as an organizing element in the Final Report and Preliminary Inven-

tory.

To record any potential links between a particular ethnic settlement

and its associated architectural images within the survey area.

To complete a comprehensive, conscientious survey which will generate

information useful to the planning process and future surveys.

The collation of survey data for planning intensive survey and

relating of information into the contextual frameworks.

To promote historic preservation through the identification of the

historic properties located within the county.

To record information useful to the local planning decisions of the

county when assessing projects affecting historic structures.

To identify properties whose owners may be eligible for various kinds

of federal, state, and local assistance in the event the owner

pursues the preservation, restoration, or rehabilitation of their

historic building(s).

Quantitative Objectives.:

The recording of an estimated 700 sites in Boone County at the

completion of the survey.

The covering of approximately 272,000 acres (425 sq. miles) in Boone

County. In addition, all seven towns in Boone County will be sur-

veyed.

Identification of at least 30 sites per context worthy of nomination

to the National Register of Historic Places.

Evaluating by the following hierarchy those sites for a) high

potential for significance, b) suspicious buildings-those buildings

that may be of significance, c) no potential in comparison to others,

d) those sites not likely to yield any information.

Methods Of Reconnaissance Survey

The "mechanical" aspect of reconnaissance historic building surveys

will focus primarily upon the documentation process and corresponding

methods used in the recording of historical resources. The recording

technique is considered of prime importance and it is the attitude of Save

~merica's Heritage to strive for a conscientious effort and accurate

method while recording historic resources. To best communicate our

intentions, the following discussion on survey methods has been organized

into three groups. These are 1) pre-field research, 2) pre-field

activities, and 3) field activities.

Re-Field R e s e a r c h :

Following the selection of the survey's geographic boundaries by the

NeSHPO, the pre-field research is begun and focuses primarily on the

performance of archival research. The main purpose of archival research

is to identify the nature of the survey area's settlement by culture,

geographic location, and time frame. In addition, the archival research

should attempt to identify potential themes of architectural, cultural,

and historical significance within the survey area, should they .exist.

While it is acknowledged that the extent and availability of research

information varies according to the events and background of the area, the

following references will be investigated prior to the reconnaissance

survey: locally written county histories, county histories written within

a statewide history, existing survey data in the NeSHPO site files

including survey forms, the files of the NSHS photographic collections,

centennial publications on community and church histories, archival maps

and atlases, newspaper articles concerning a community's built 'environ-

ment, and literature published by local or county historical groups. The

majority of these types of publications can be found in the libraries of

state and county historical societies. A bibliography of all sources referenced should be maintained and, along with photocopied information,

added to the site files. These general data files are organized according

to specific counties, local communities, and individual sites. The files

are used prior to reconnaissance survey to familiarize the surveyors with

the survey area and are consulted again in the field during the survey.

Added to the general files are all forms of public correspondence received

up to the point the survey is begun.

Due to the absence of an existing Historic Overview report, extensive

preparation becomes necessary to satisfactorily develop the concepts of

the report. The content of the Historic Overview is considered a prime

source of p=e-survey information. Theref ore, the following is an outline

of the methodology to be employed by SAVE'S personnel during the composi-

tion of the county Historic Overview.

Each Historic Overview report will identify important patterns,

events, persons, or cultural values pertaining to the county. It is

anticipated that the information within the Historic Overview will aid in

the identification of property types associated with each individual

theme. In the preparation of the Historic Overview, the following will be

considered:

A. Trends in area settlement and development;

B. Aesthetic and artistic values embodied in architecture, construction

technology, or craftsmanship.

C. Research values or problems relevant to the county, social and

physical sciences and humanities, and cultural interests of local

communities.

D. Intangible cultural values of ethnic groups and native American

people.

Re-Fie ld Act iv i t i e s :

The topic of pre-field activities are considered separate from pre-

field research on the basis of their more publicly 'extroverted nature.

Save America's Heritage will begin the pre-field activities with the

distribution of notices announcing the survey and its intentions to all

the general public. This will be done by placing general notices in

established commercial and non-commercial facilities of the communities,

such as the U.S. Post Office, grocery stores, donut shops, etc. Reinforc-

ing this is the dispersal of press releases to all active newspapers

existing in the county. The intent of the release is to inform the public

of the survey programs and to solicit their input in the identification of

historic resources. In addition to this, communication will be

established with the local historians and historical societies detailing

our intent and welcoming their possible input. Included in this communi-

cation will be information concerning the thematic topics and the time

frame of the survey. The final task of pre-field activity will be the

precautionary attempts to eliminate public suspicion. The justifiable

suspicion aroused by survey activities will potentially be eliminated

through the listing of survey vehicles and personnel with local police

departments and county sheriff patrols. (For examples of typical communi-

cations, see Appendix D.)

Fie ld A c t i v i t i e d :

The first step prior to embarking on the survey would be the

assemblage of the necessary documents used during the recording of

identified sites. This includ'es town plat maps, USGS 7 1/2 minute

topographical maps, county road maps, site files, and the preparation of

. the Historic Overview. The recording of a county's significant sites

would be conducted during the reconnaissance survey and would consist of

identifying structures, mapping locations, architectural descriptions, and

photographic documentation. Any supplemental field notes derived from

observations or public communications will also be added.

The reconnaissance photography would consist of two photographs per

site from opposite 45 degree angles using a wide angle perspective

correcting lens. In certain cases, additional photographs of the more

significant structures will be recorded showing context, detailing, or

construction. Brief descriptions of each site will be recorded to define

basic characteristics of the site and aid in map location during the post-

survey cataloging. For domestic sites, the supratypological vocabulary

developed by The Midwest Vernacular Architecture Committee will be used in

the description process. Photographic field notes will also be kept

concerning the aspect of the image, exposure number, and corresponding

roll number. In addition to the recording of the information listed

above, further research will be conducted on those sites which are

considered to have greater significance.

A primary concept in the documentation of historic buildings is the recognition that different building types may require different recording

techniques. Therefore, it is necessary for the surveyor to define the

specific types of information most relevant to the typology of the

property he is documenting.

4. Reconnaissance Survey Biases Integrity:

To be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a property

must possess integrity. Integrity is the authenticity of a property1 s

historic identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics

that existed during the property's historic period. If a property retains

the physical characteristics it possessed in the past then it has the

capacity to convey association with historical patterns or persons,

architectural design, or information about a culture or people. Conse-

quently, the determination of integrity is considered a most important

field activity.

For reconnaissance-level documentation, two very basic questions must .

first be asked. These are:

1. Is the building at least 50 years old?

2. Does it retain its integrity?

The answer to question #1 is usually quite objective; however, the

determination of integrity requires some discussion.

It must first be recognized that the degree of integrity exhibited by

historic buildings can vary greatly. The principal investigator must

first ask, "Does this property reflect its historic character or has it

been altered by the application of contemporary building materials and

technologies?" In most instances, the house is the first building

scrutinized, especially in the case of town surveys where they represent

the majority of extant buildings. However, the importance of "house

integrity1' is diminished when dealing with buildings located in rural

settings. For most cases in Nebraska, this means a farmstead. With the

added significance of agricultural-related buildings (such as hay, horse

and livestock barns, granaries, corn cribs, and elevators), a limited

amount of alteration to the house should not prevent the site from being

documented. In the case where a farmstead contains a large historic

representation of farm buildings with a severely altered house, the site

will be documented as a farmstead with a non-contributing house. A final case may exist where a single, highly significant, farm-related building

is located within an otherwise altered farmstead. In this event, Save

America's Heritage will document' the individual building designating a

site number solely to the specific building, structure, or object.

Integrity also appears to play an important role in the field

documentation of commercial buildings. Traditionally, buildings used for

commerce have been adaptively reused by subsequent generations. These

buildings are positioned along a primary local thoroughfare or even a

regionally important highway, thus lending appeal to present-day retailers

seeking new locations. Often the buildings are physically altered to

accommodate new functions and therefore suffer a loss of integrity. With

this in mind, only those buildings exhibiting the visual characteristics

of their historic period will be documented.

In summary, the determination of integrity will be based upon the

historic retention of the following physical characteristics.

-Materials: Does the building retain the original materials from its

period of historic importance?

-Location: Is the building placed in its original location or has

it been moved?

-Design: Does the. building reflect the design aesthetics of its

historic period?

-Setting: ~ o e s the building reflect a historic "sense of place"?

Does the historic image and feel still exist?

-Function: Does the building represent its historic use?

Characteristics of R u r a l Integrity:

With the concept of Rural Historic Districts added to the National

Register process, the principal investigator is forced to develop new

visual sensitivities which are sympathetic to the qualities of rural

settings. New methods of survey and research must be added to our

understanding of both the built and natural environment and the historic

relationship between them.

With this in mind, Save America's Heritage will attempt, without

contractual obligation, to observe the following characteristics of

potential significance to rural historic enclaves.

-The condition and presence of features, natural and built, which

relate to a historic period of importance.

-The ability of a rural environment to reflect a sense of a past time

or place.

-Potential unifying factors which may link rural properties together.

-The potential significance of historic contexts not preliminarily

identified as important to the study area.

-The overall patterns of landscape spatial organization (landforms,

natural features , material components). *Land-use categories and activities (farming, ranching, recreation).

-Response to natural features (landform affect on material com-

ponents).

-Boundaries (cultural, political, or natural).

-Cluster arrangements (position of material elements within landscape

setting).

-Ecological context (Missouri River Valley).

-Integrity: Loss of natural features that were historically integral

to the rural setting and intrusion of non-contributing features.

-The presence of sociocultural institutions with association to

buildings within the district (granges, township halls).

5.- Anticipated Property Types

Save America's Heritage anticipates the identification of historic

properties in each of the following nine categories.

-ECCLESIASTICAL: Churches, church schools, parsonages, and

convents

-COMMERCIAL: Banks, liveries, agricultural dealers, hotels,

auto dealers, general stores, newspapers, cafes,

and grocery stores

-TOWN-RESIDENTIAL: Single family dwellings, high-rise apartment

blocks

-RURAL-RESIDENTIAL: Farm houses

-INDUSTRIAL: Utility buildings (electrical, water, telephone)

and private manufacturing warehouses

-ENGINEERING: Rail bridges, highway bridges, dams, and tunnels

-AGRICULTURAL: Cattle barns, horse barns, hog barns, hog fences,

cattle fences, cellars, cob houses, orchards,

windmills, windbreaks, pump systems, cattle

loafing sheds, hog loafing sheds, farrowing

houses, corn cribs, wash houses, summer kitchens,

chicken houses, brooder houses, machine shops,

implement sheds, granaries, silos, elevators, and

stock tank systems

-TRANSPORTATION: Depots, garages, gas stations, auto dealerships,

and roundhouses

-PUBLIC BUILDINGS: Elementary and high schools, post off ices,

libraries, park structures, courthouses,

hospitals, and township halls

6 .- Evaluation Process and Criteria

Process Of Evaluation:

Two primary reasons exist for the evaluation of the resources

documented by the Historic Buildings survey. The first is the identifica-

tion of properties worthy of nomination to the National Register of

Historic Places, and the second is the designation of those properties to

be preserved by local planning processes. The National Register criterion

A, B, C, and D as translated by the Historic Context Reports shall be the basis for evaluation.

The Preliminary Inventory is the primary reference list of all

properties within Boone County that are potentially eligible for listing

in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Therefore, its

primary purpose is to define the entire "pool1' of historic resources which

appear potentially eligible for listing.

The Preliminary Inventory also fulfills additional roles which

include its use as a guide for suggesting future work in the study area

and the identification -of building types which are no longer extant or

never existed within the study area. The analysis of the inventoried data

may also provide the NeSHPO with answers to the following questions:

1. What percentage of the total number of sites surveyed were

worthy of intensive survey on the basis of their association to

an identified historic theme or to a preliminarily identified

Historic Context?

2. What percentage of the total number of sites surveyed were

worthy of intensive survey as non-historic context sites?

3. What percentage of those sites noted during the f ie ld survey as

potentially significant were actually found to be significant

for:

a. Historic context sites? .

b. Non-historic context sites?

Save America' s Heritage. originally viewed the assembling of the

Preliminary Inventory as a two-step process consisting of survey and

review. However, as outlined below, a refined methodology has evolved

from previous survey experience which now involves several levels of

evaluation. What has emerged is a more in-depth compilation of potential

NRHP sites using a variety of historical and contemporary resources.

Initial base list of potentially eligible properties derived

from review of reconnaissance survey documentation.

Review of contact sheets and site descriptions performed to add

or delete base-list properties.

Land atlas research documenting historic chain of ownership

(1891, 1911, 19250 for rural base-list properties.

Deed, mortgage, and mechanic's lien research performed on

selected sites to develop list of original owners and historic

typologies.

Review all published county, church, and centennial histories,

with particular emphasis on historic building citations of base-

list properties.

Contact local historical societies for input on .histories of

base-list properties.

Second base-list review with application of criterion to derive

final lists of sites which:

a) are strongly recommended for NRHP listing, and

b) may not be strongly recommended for listing but

contribute to the character of the historic built

environment.

Criteria For Evaluation:

If the ultimate goal of 'the Nebraska Historic Buildings Survey is

indeed the identification of properties worthy of National Register

listing, then the definitions and criteria established by the NRHP become

the primary concepts by which the significance of a historic property is

evaluated.

The National .Register defines a historic property as a district,

site, building, structure, or object significant in American history,

architecture, engineering, archeology, and culture. A historic context is a broad pattern of historical development in a community or its region,

that may be represented by historic resources. The use of historic

contexts provides a mechanism for translating the broad National Register

criteria into locally meaningful terms. For example, the National

Register criteria allow any property that is associated with the lives of

persons significant in our past to be regarded as eligible for listing,

but it is the historic contexts of the area that define who such people

were (p. 55, Nat. Reg. Bulletin, No. 24, V. 5, Dept. of the Interior).

With this in mind, the National Register criteria translated into local

meaning by the Historic Context Reports are as follows:

The quality of significance in American history, architecture,

archeology, and culture is present in districts, sites, build-

ings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of loca-

tion, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and

association, and:

A. that are associated with events that have made a sig-

nificant contribution to the broad patterns of our

history; or

B. that are associated with the lives of persons sig-

nificant in our past; or

C. that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type,

period, or method of construction or that represent

the work of a master, or that possess high artistic

values, or that represent a significant and

distinguishable entity whose components may lack

individual distinction; or

D. that have yielded, or may be likely to yield, informa-

tion important in prehistory or history.

ETHNIC SUMMARY OF BOONE COUNTY, NEBRASKA

IN 1880, 1890, 1900, .AND 1910

Total % of Total % of Total Foreign-Born Foreign-Born County County

Nativity # No. Population Population Population Population

1880-1. Swed. & Nor. 315 773 40.8 4,170 7.6

2. I r i s h 156 773 20.2 4,170 3.7

3. Anglo 121 773 15.7 4,170 2.9

4.Eng.Can. 118 773 15.3 4,170 2.8

1890-1. German - 372 1,572 23.7 8,683 4.3

2. Norwegian 364 1,572 23.2 8,683 4.2

3. Swedish 276 1,572 '17.6 8,683 3.2

4. I r i s h 172 1,572 10.9 8,683 2.0

1900-1. German 502 1,807 27.8 11,689 4.3

2. Norwegian 363 1,807 20.1 11,689 3.1

3. Swedish 349 1,807 19.3 11,689 . 3 .O

4. I r i s h 154 1,807 8.5 11,689 1.3

1910-1. German 569 I,669 34.1 13,145 4.3

2. Norwegian 310 1,669 18.6 13,145 2.4

3. Swedish 250 1,669 15.O 13,145 1.9

4. I r i s h 112 1,669 6 .7 13,145 0.9

*Note: The term Anglo r e f e r s t o t h e United Kingdom nations excluding I re land which is represented separately. Anglo, therefore , r e f e r s

'

t o nat ives of England, Scotland, and Wales.

APPENDIX 2

Supratype Master List of Boone County House Types

Boone County House Types

The listing of residential properties surveyed in Boone County

utilized the supratype method of description. As illustrated below, this

list indicates a total of 97 core supratypes representing the 513 total

residential properties documented within the county.

Each supratype is listed according to its six core descriptors which

are found at the headings of each column. The core supratype number is

found in the first column followed by the descriptors which are, respec-

tively: core shape (SH), horizontal width in units (SZ), wall height in

stories (HT), roof type (RF), orientation (OR), and entry location (DR). The total number of the supratype in Boone County is found in the next

column (#), followed by the percentage of that type within Boone County

RF DR-H FE G F'E H E'E G FE G FE H FE H' FE H FE H+G E'E Hffi FE G FE H FE G FE G FE G E'E G E'E G FE G FE ? FE G FE H FE G F'E

RF-G H G G G G G G GCC GJ H H G G G G H G G GG GJ G J H H H HG HT HT G G GG GG G J GX H G G H H H m G G K C H G G G G

APPENDIX 3

Index of Abbreviations

The following index attempts to explain the abbreviations used by the

survey team while recording historic buildings in the eight-county area of

the Northeast Nebraska survey project. These abbreviations were developed

as a means of expediting the survey recording process. The need for

abbreviations was especially necessary in the recording of rural-based

historic properties. In these cases, every effort was made to note each

building, structure, and object which contributed to the historic char-

acter of the property. Many of the abbreviations were developed by the

NeSHPO during their former surveys of historic buildings throughout

Nebraska. The remaining group of abbreviations were developed by Save

America's Heritage with the approval of the NeSHPO. It should be men-

tioned that these abbreviations were used extensively and were transferred

from field notes to the history cards with the approval of the NeSHPO.

Fr . = Frame

Br . = Brick

Conc. blk. = Concrete block

Frmhse . = Farmhouse

Frmstd. = Farmstead,

Hse . = House

S .K. = Summer kitchen

Ckn. hse. = Chicken house

Gar. = Garage

Gran . = Granary

Carr. barn = Carriage barn

D.T. gran. = Drive-thru granary

D.T. crib = Drive-thru crib

L.S. = Loafing shed

- Addn. = Addition

Cent. = Central

Enc . = Enclosed

- Att. = Attached

Perpend. = Perpendicular

Symm . = Symmetrical

Lg = Large G.W.D. = Gable wall dormer

E.G.W.D. = Entry gable wall dormer

Gab. = Gable

Drmr . = Dormer

Outbldg. = Outbuilding

Aban . = Abandoned

Det. = Deteriorated

Hd. hse. = Head house N.C. = Non-contributing

W.W. fence = Woven wire fence P.O. = Present owner

Bd. fence = Board fence Orig. = Original

Fdn. = Foundation Cem. = Cemetery

Rf . = Roof - O m . = Ornamental

Chim, = Chimney

nebraska historic buildings survey reconnaissance survey final

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